Event aims to inspire participants to protect the ocean
With International Coastal Cleanup Day (September 20th) on the horizon, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru resort is rallying volunteers for what will be the Maldives’ biggest ever community litter-picking event. An estimated 30,000 participants across 180 Maldivian islands are expected to participate simultaneously for one hour between 4pm and 5pm. They will focus on removing plastic and other waste from the coastline and reefs.
Every day, teams across every resort island in the Maldives work tirelessly to remove ocean-bound plastics and litter from the beaches and lagoons so they look picture-perfect. Normally this takes place before sunrise, so guests don’t even see them. And typically these teams are comprised of women from neighbouring islands, which gives them a chance to earn an income which they might not have otherwise had. However, many of the island communities (island towns and villages that are separated from resort islands) do not have their own cleaning teams, so it’s down to individuals and guest house owners living there to try to keep them tidy.
So, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru resort, which is based in North Male’ Atoll, decided to help raise awareness by organising the Saafu Kuramaa National Community Clean-Up this September 20th. Saafu Kuramaa means ‘Let’s Clean’ in Dhivehi. The event also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the luxury ecoresort.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has an excellent reputation for creating genuine environmental initiatives. In 2004, it became the first resort in the Maldives to open a Marine Lab. The resort also helped pioneer resilient coral planting and reef monitoring projects with guest engagement, as well as local culture preservation.
General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Elias Pertoft, said: “As we celebrate 30 years of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Saafu Kuramaa reflects our commitment to embrace the environment that has sustained us and inspired travellers from around the world.
“It is an invitation for every community to take part in shaping the Maldives’ future, together. This is also a powerful reminder that when we come together, even one hour can create lasting change”.
It is hoped that the Saafu Kuramaa event on International Coastal Cleanup Day will help inspire stewardship in preserving the oceans for our future. Since more than 99% of Maldivian territory is water, protecting the marine environment is essential to the tropical archipelago’s identity, economy, and future.
Island councils, schools, youth clubs, NGOs, dive centres, guesthouses and resorts are all expected to join the Saafu Kuramaa event. Each island will nominate a local coordinator and select a coastal area such as a beach, harbour, sandbank, or mangrove for the simultaneous nationwide cleanup. They will also record how much waste is collected and how many volunteers participated.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru & Dhawa Ihuru’ss Regional Marine Lab Manager, Nick Hardman, added: “At Banyan Tree, environmental stewardship is at the heart of what we do. All Banyan Group properties conduct a minimum of four community cleanups every year, and Saafu Kuramaa represents our most ambitious effort yet.
“This campaign aims to be the largest community cleanup we’ve ever organized, and we’re calling on individuals of all ages and islands to join us in making a real, lasting impact for our coasts and communities”.
If you’re interested in finding out more about Maldivian resort eco-projects, you may also enjoy:
Seaside Finolhu resort launches new marine conservation package
St Regis Maldives achieves coveted Green Globe certificate
Kuramathi Maldives achieves gold sustainability certificate
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