Luxury resort runs philanthropic scheme to equally support all 13 inhabited islands in the area
When you visit a resort in the Maldives, you may wonder how much involvement it has with the towns or villages surrounding it. Often, there’s little more of a connection than recruiting some staff from those island communities. But a few resorts in the Maldives, like Velaa Private Island in Noonu Atoll, choose to contribute to the economic development and quality of life of their neighbours. And remarkably, Velaa Private Island supports not just one, but every single island in Noonu Atoll.
Velaa Private Island’s Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, Fehikuramaa (new green project), is now in its fourth year of operations. It is the brainchild of Velaa’s owner, Czech entrepreneur, Jiri Smejc. He wanted to provide equal care and resources not only to the handful of islands seen on the horizon from Velaa, but to all islands in Noonu Atoll. The initiative, run in consultation with the island chiefs, recognises the symbiotic relationship between resorts and their surrounding communities.
Velaa Private Island has just revealed that in 2024 it achieved several new accomplishments through Fehikuramaa. They include a Homemade and Handcrafted project, whereby Velaa donated shredders to all 13 inhabited islands in the atoll (in part, thanks to a generous donation from a guest). This will help Noonu Atoll residents to convert food waste into valuable resources.
The donation of the shedders was backed up by hands-on workshops across the islands promoting waste reduction, recycling, and eco-friendly practices such as creating homemade cosmetics and cleaning products, as well as how to upcycle waste materials into functional items. The next generation was also involved, with interactive sessions for schoolchildren about sustainability.
General manager of Velaa Private Island, Wayne Milgate, said: “We are proud of what Fehikuramaa has achieved in its fourth year. These efforts showcase our unwavering commitment to sustainable development and our belief in creating long-lasting benefits for the communities of Noonu Atoll.”
Velaa also collaborated with councils and local businesses to introduce bulk-selling systems and advocate for more locally produced sustainable vegetables and herbs. They distributed greenhouses and hydroponic systems to all islands, with training provided by a Maldivian NGO.
Velaa Private Island has also refurished a meeting room and created an outdoor library at the Amaan Veshi Centre on Manadhoo island. It’s the resort’s second year of collaborating with the centre, which is a home for girls in state care that opened in 2022. The centre provides education, structure, and a nurturing familial environment for children from challenging backgrounds until they mature or are reintegrated with family members. While the Maldivian government provides for their basic needs, the centre relies heavily on donations for extracurricular activities that enrich the children’s development. It’s hoped the library will offer them a tranquil space that fosters reading and learning.
The Fehikuramaa initiative also deepened its commitment to environmental stewardship in 2024. They built on previous successes addressing waste management and plastic pollution by expanding community-driven solutions, with an emphasis on education and sustainability.
More news from Velaa Private Island
About the Author
1 thought on “Velaa Private Island pays it forward to every island community in the atoll”
Comments are closed.