Cora Cora Maldives is pleased to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Green Globe Gold Certification following an independent onsite sustainability assessment that awarded the resort a remarkable 93% for its dedication to excellence and responsible tourism practices.
The award comes after the resort’s membership of the Freedom Footprints sustainability programme which supports all aspects of the business from conservation and community to responsible luxury hospitality. This latest accolade is a testament to the amazing collaborative efforts of the resort’s staff, partners, suppliers and guests in making a positive contribution to the destination beyond the guests’ stay.
The resort’s own five year reef conservation project under the Freedom Footprints programme is one of the most successful coral growing projects in the Maldives. Cora Cora Maldives has partnered with MARS and SHEBA to create an underwater garden of over 1,000 Reef Stars and has replanted over 15,000 coral fragments. In addition to the use of nurseries and outplanting, the resort is also pioneering the use of coral clips and innovative micro fragmentation techniques for the coral conservation and enhancement project. Guests can get involved and support the reef rescue by helping to adopt Reef Stars, attach coral fragments and learn about the project from the resident marine biologist.
The resort also supports sea turtle conservation in the Raa Atoll with the help of the Olive Ridley Project and Atoll Marine Centre, offering research, rescue, recovery and educational services to both guests and local Maldivian students.
The resort has also invested in a number of initiatives to reduce its own impact on the environment, including cutting out single-use plastic water bottles by manufacturing its own supply in glass bottles, avoiding the use of more than 100,000 plastic bottles per year. Single-use plastic straws have also been replaced with more eco-friendly counterparts, alongside bathroom amenity refill stations, appropriate waste management, energy-saving policies, water conservation and EarthCheck software to monitor and manage the resort's environmental performance.
Alongside environmental sustainability, community development plays a key role in the resort's Freedom Footprints programme, supporting local communities by buying fresh produce and seafood from local markets, collaborating with local fishermen, providing employment opportunities for students and encouraging local businesses to participate in the programme. The resort also offers a unique opportunity for local artisans to trade their traditional handicrafts and souvenirs with guests, helping to promote and preserve Maldivian culture. Sales of resort-branded conservation jewellery in the spa boutique also help to support the reef conservation project.
By championing the country's rich cultural legacy, Cora Cora Maldives also prides itself on being custodians of the local Maldivian archaeological museum, offering insights into Maldivian history for residents and guests alike and promoting awareness of the importance of conserving the nation's marine and coastal eco-systems.
This latest Green Globe Gold accreditation is another step forward in the resort's ongoing commitment to responsible luxury tourism. By achieving this latest global benchmark, Cora Cora Maldives was quick to recognise the phenomenal efforts of its staff, partners and guests in supporting the resort's ongoing pledge to continue to go above and beyond to protect and conserve the natural beauty of the Maldives for generations to come.
