Sustainable Tourism: Tradition with Innovation
Located in the stunning Baa Atoll archipelago, the eco-friendly Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas are a shining example of the resort’s dedication to protecting the local ecosystem. The resort took a novel strategy from the start of its development, with no trees being removed from the grounds in favour of building space for the villas. Taking its cues from the island’s rich history and customs, Anantara Kihavah is working to develop a tourism destination that is both ecologically sustainable and socially responsible.
Arab merchants and local fisherman who needed a safe haven helped shape the island’s history. The resort’s builders uncovered a well, revealing a time-honored technique for retrieving underground water that demonstrates the ingenuity of early fisherman. In modern times, water management has become increasingly important in the fight for environmental preservation. A sewage treatment facility may turn wastewater into useable effluent for agriculture, while desalination and reverse osmosis can turn sea water into drinkable water. By reusing towels, guests may help conserve water and contribute to the hotel’s water conservation efforts.
The resort’s dedication to the ocean and its marine life is evident in its setting within a biosphere reserve recognised by UNESCO. The resort of Anantara Kihavah takes several steps and runs many programmes to meet its environmental responsibilities. In addition to helping out with reef cleanups, guests may plant coral in the resort’s reef nursery and track its progress via photo updates as part of the resort’s Coral Adoption Programme. Use of “reef-safe” sunscreen is encouraged, and educational signs on proper water conduct are placed around the resort.
Kids Marine Biology Courses at Anantara Kihavah are a great way to get young people interested in ecotourism and responsible travel. These programmes take kids as young as eight out on the water for their first dive or snorkel and teach them about the reef and its inhabitants. The resort’s marine scientist offers weekly talks for kids and adults, and he or she also brings youngsters to the resort’s underwater SEA restaurant so that they may see fish in their natural environment.
The resort’s “Dollars for Deeds” programme encourages patrons to make donations to the reef and corporate social responsibility initiatives. The resort will double the amount of money donated by guests who buy Bon Aqua water or pay $1 every night they stay. Protection of the maritime and coastal environment, environmental education, and community well-being are all supported by these grants.
Visitors may help clean up the island and learn about its natural history on guided tours of the land. Enjoy afternoon tea amidst the beautiful splendour of blossoming orchids as you visit the resort’s organic garden and orchid garden, both of which include displays of sustainable techniques. Recycling programmes are implemented for waste management; compost is made from organic trash, while non-biodegradable material is separated and either reused or donated to the community.
The Anantara Kihavah resort has also gone plastic-free, switching to biodegradable products whenever possible. Glass water bottles are given, while refillable plastic dispenser bottles are used for amenities. The resort uses energy-saving measures such as invertor-type air conditioners, EcoGen boilers that recycle waste heat, and motion-sensor lighting to reduce its carbon footprint. The use of fuel is cut down even further by installing a solar energy system.
Anantara Kihavah Maldives clearly takes its environmental responsibilities seriously, as seen by the multitude of projects it has done. The resort has made significant efforts to preserve its natural beauty and provide sustainable tourism by combining ancient wisdom with contemporary concepts.