Cora Maldives: Embracing Sustainability & Cultural Heritage through #ReconnectinRaa Challenge

It's Independence Day! Cora Cora Maldives, a multi-award-winning, five-star luxury Maldivian resort located in the pristine Raa Atoll, has announced the launch of the #ReconnectinRAA challenge as part of a groundbreaking display of unity and commitment to sustainability and cultural heritage, set to take place from August 2nd to August 8th, 2023, as part of the Maldives' Fifty-two year celebration of tourism. The campaign, a 186-kilometer stand-up paddling circumnavigation of Raa Atoll by the resorts' General Manager, Justin Swart, himself, and Director of Human Resources, Muiz Mohamed, aims to inspire a passion for environmental conservation and cultural heritage, resulting in a ripple effect of positive change both locally and globally. This game-changing project has brought together 18 resorts, 15 inhabited island councils, environmental organizations, and the Ministry of Tourism, uniting the whole Raa Atoll.

This effort is tearing down barriers and reconnecting the entire Raa Atoll by harnessing the threads and fibers weaved by its rich culture and natural environment. "Through the #ReconnectinRAA Challenge, Cora Cora Maldives has succeeded in uniting Raa Atoll into one powerful force, committed to preserving the natural beauty and cultural heritage of this magnificent country," stated Justin Swart, General Manager of Cora Cora Maldives. "Through our Freedom Footprints Sustainability Program, we hope to make a long-lasting impact not only on the atoll, but also by inspiring similar initiatives around the world."

Cora Cora Maldives' dedication to sustainability extends beyond the resort's walls. The #ReconnectinRAA campaign is a tribute to their commitment, extending the Freedom Footprints Program to include the entire Raa Atoll and serving as an example for similar initiatives around the world. The program, which includes 18 resorts and 15 inhabited islands, seeks to execute the largest-ever beach clean-up in the atoll's history, establishing a powerful example for collective environmental action. Raa Atoll is the first in the region to declare a ban on single-use plastic shopping bags, thanks to the initiative of Cora Cora Maldives and the backing of partners and resorts. Eco-friendly alternatives, such as reusable eco bags, will be distributed across the atoll, reducing plastic waste and setting a good example for other communities.

"Empowering Freedom Footprints of Change," the theme of the #ReconnectinRAA campaign, captures the essence of this revolutionary movement. Raa Atoll is set to create a route towards a greener, culturally rich future by reconnecting with nature, embracing cultural history, and standing together as a united society.

The #ReconnectinRAA campaign focuses on three key elements:

Reconnect with Nature: By promoting sustainable practices and developing environmental awareness, participants will form a stronger link with nature and appreciate their critical role in its protection.

Reconnect with Culture: Participants will connect with the rich tapestry of Maldivian heritage within Raa Atoll through celebrating and conserving local traditions, music, dance, and artistic expressions.

Reconnect with the World: Participants are encouraged to extend their horizons and connect with the global community. People from all across the world can take part in the Zen Adventure of a Lifetime Campaign by matching the distance completed during the challenge in their own communities. This global movement promotes interconnection and collective responsibility, empowering individuals to make sustainable choices and contribute to positive global change. Participants will receive Blue Tiki Coins upon completion, which will be used to plant Mangroves.

Participants and stakeholders are invited to take action and raise awareness on crucial sustainability issues by promising to #BeatPlasticPollution, #SavetheOcean, and #Protect30x30 as part of the campaign.

Cora Cora Maldives provides its guests with a one-of-a-kind holistic Maldivian cultural, experiential, and gastronomic experience while pushing for environmental protection and preservation. There are 100 villas, four restaurants, two bars, the MOKSHA Spa and Wellbeing Centre, a water sports and diving center, a gym, an overwater yoga pavilion, an outdoor cinema, the CoRa kids club, and the Dutch Onion Museum. Cora Cora Maldives may be reached in 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport, or in 30 minutes by domestic flight followed by a 20-minute speedboat ride. Cora Cora Maldives is the ideal peaceful island getaway.