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Matt Porteous, the founder of Ocean Culture, Becomes the First Soneva Namoona Guardian

Soneva Namoona Guardian Matt Porteous

Soneva Namoona, a Soneva initiative that seeks to radically change the way the Maldives manages its waste, recently announced its first Soneva Namoona Guardian: Matt Porteous, the founder of Ocean Culture Life and the Managing Director of Studio M. Soneva Namoona is a partnership between three local islands (Maalhos, Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo), Soneva, marine plastic foundation Common Seas, and the government of the Maldives. The mission of Soneva Namoona is to design a sustainable waste management system that can benefit the whole nation and prevent plastic entering the sea. The initiative centres around the three pillars of Reduce, Recycle, Inspire. 

At the heart of Soneva Namoona is Reduce, a radical reduction in the volume of plastic arriving on the islands. Soneva assisted in the establishment of a water bottling plant on the island of Maalhos to desalinate and mineralise sea water, which is distributed in reusable glass bottles, eliminating the need for water bottled in plastic. Recycle is the second strand of the programme and focuses on the responsible disposal of waste. Maalhos is the first island to open a Soneva-sponsored Eco Centro with machinery that will include a wood chipper and a glass crusher. The third component is Inspire which aims to foster a love of the ocean and the environment. The belief is that through water sports, education and festivities, children will lose their fear of the ocean and learn to love it, and thus protect it. 

The goal of Namoona Guardians is to build a network of like-minded people around the world who are committed to making Soneva Namoona is a success. Namoona Guardians can be environmentalists, conservationists, surfers, sailors, athletes, and artists who have a passion for safeguarding the environment. They are innovators, leaders, visionaries and pioneers. Matt recently did a takeover of the Soneva Namoona Instagram account, @namooonabaa, to talk about his work documenting how the Maldivian islands of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo, and Kihaadhoo have become pioneers of the waste-to-wealth philosophy and setting examples in reducing marine plastic waste.  

I’m incredibly fortunate as a photographer to spend time with amazing people. In the case of Soneva Namoona, this means telling stories of the real heroes of Maldivian islands – the community collecting ocean plastic for the benefit of future generations, the team mentoring children on neighbouring islands to become ocean stewards, the waste experts at Soneva who are designing a sustainable way of managing waste that can benefit the whole country. Change starts with individuals and passion. Programmes like Soneva Namoona are so important for creating the systems needed to tackle complex problems. But what is so exemplary about it is the focus on nurturing people and their passion. My passion is in sharing these stories, connecting like-minded individuals and corporations, helping create ripples of change across the world

Matt Porteous, Founder of Ocean Culture Life

Matt’s love and delight in his surroundings are evident in his work. He captures and reveals the expression and detail that is seldom evident to the naked eye. Matt is one of the UK’s leading photographers both in and out of the water, where his passion for oceans has taken him to some of the most beautiful places on the planet and connected him to some of the world’s greatest changemakers.  

The Jersey-based photographer was chosen by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as the official photographer to photograph Prince George to mark his Hi third birthday and fifth birthdays. Matt was also commissioned to shoot Prince HLouis’ christening at Clarence House. Later in 2018 he was tasked with capturing last year’s Christmas card photograph for the Duke and Duchess’s family portrait in their country home, in Norfolk. 

Ocean Culture Life, a global community of positive ocean storytellers who collaborate on various projects. Ocean Culture Life’s team creates stunning and impactful content for their network of ambassadors and charities, collectively spreading awareness on everything ocean related. One of the project’s goals is to remind people of what the oceans look like and how they can play a pivotal role in supporting ocean guardians through their own businesses and charitable missions.   

Soneva is a pioneering family of hospitality properties and products, offering holistic encounters in luxurious and inspiring environments – from world class hotels to outstanding natural locations. Combining luxury with a conscientious approach to sustainability and the environment, and proactively changing the nature of hospitality, it delivers intuitive service and meaningful experiences to the guests. Soneva currently owns and operates Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva in Aqua in the Maldives and Soneva Kiri in Thailand.  

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OZEN LIFE MAADHOO Earns Green Globe Gold for Fifth Year in a Row

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO Earns Green Globe Gold for Fifth Year in a Row

In an era where luxury and sustainability often seem at odds, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO proves that they can coexist in perfect harmony. THE OZEN COLLECTION proudly announces that the resort has earned the prestigious Green Globe Gold Certification for the fifth consecutive year. This achievement recognizes OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s unwavering commitment to environmental preservation, while delivering world-class luxury. By blending innovative practices with the Maldives’ pristine natural beauty, the resort continues to lead the way in eco-conscious hospitality.

A Commitment to Marine Conservation

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s success stems from its innovative approach to conservation. In-house marine biologists lead a coral restoration project that has revived a 300-meter stretch of the house reef. They use 80 coral frames to nurture over 2,000 coral fragments, contributing to a vibrant marine ecosystem. The resort partners with organizations such as Manta Trust, Olive Ridley Project, and Parley to strengthen its efforts, and it will soon join forces with Miyaru NGO to expand marine protection initiatives. Additionally, OZEN LIFE MAADHOO engages guests in environmental education, raising awareness about ocean conservation.

According to Nuria Camps Suarez, the Head Marine Biologist at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO:

“Our coral restoration project is more than conservation—it’s a promise to future generations. By reviving our house reef, we’re rebuilding a thriving ecosystem. Partnering with organizations like Manta Trust and Parley amplifies our impact, ensuring the Maldives’ marine legacy endures.”

Pioneering Renewable Energy Solutions

The resort has also committed to reducing its environmental impact through renewable energy. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO boasts one of the largest floating solar panel systems in the Maldives. The system consists of 12 platforms with 720 panels, along with 1,095 rooftop solar units, generating 30% of the resort’s energy needs. This significantly reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and sets a strong example of clean energy use.

In addition, the resort embraces a zero-waste philosophy, utilizing advanced waste management systems. Each week, an automated organic composter processes 3 tons of green waste, transforming it into nutrient-rich fertilizer. Garden clippings undergo shredding and conversion into compost, and the resort repurposes crushed glass bottles for small construction projects. These initiatives showcase OZEN LIFE MAADHOO’s commitment to reducing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.

A New Era in Dining Practices

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO also pioneers sustainable dining with its hydroponic farm. By growing lettuce and herbs in a soilless system, the farm reduces water consumption from 250 liters to just 50 liters per kilogram. The system now meets 70% of the island’s lettuce demand, providing guests with fresh, organic ingredients that align with the resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Guests enjoy these farm-to-table meals in the resort’s award-winning restaurants, knowing they are supporting eco-friendly practices while savoring flavorful dishes.

Seamlessly Blending Luxury and Eco-Consciousness

What truly distinguishes OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is how seamlessly its eco-friendly initiatives blend with the guest experience. From snorkeling in regenerated coral reefs to dining on hydroponically grown ingredients, guests can indulge in luxury while remaining mindful of their environmental impact. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO continues to set the standard for eco-conscious hospitality, aligning with THE OZEN COLLECTION’s philosophy of ‘Refined Elegance.’ Every stay not only offers an unforgettable experience but also leaves a lasting, positive imprint on the planet.

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