The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort actively promotes sustainability and community engagement. On 27 October 2024, the resort collaborated with Marriott Bonvoy Moments and twelve-time world record freediver Christian Redl. Together, they hosted an inspiring island cleanup and a plastic pollution awareness session at Maalhos Island. This event successfully gathered over 70 local school students. It empowered them to confront the urgent issue of marine pollution in the Maldives.
Vijay Kumar, the General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, stated,
“We are incredibly proud to collaborate with Christian Redl and the community of Maalhos Island to inspire a new generation of environmental stewards. This event aligns with our resort’s mission to foster a deeper connection between our guests, the local community, and the ocean that surrounds us. By educating the youth on the importance of ocean conservation, we hope to contribute to long-term, sustainable change in the Maldives.”
During the session, Christian Redl, founder of the non-profit 7Oceans, shared crucial insights into global ocean challenges. He discussed topics like coral bleaching, ghost nets, and plastic waste pollution. His expertise illuminated critical environmental issues facing Baa Atoll, the Maldives’ first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This extraordinary area showcases rare pink hydrozoan corals and seasonal gatherings of manta rays and whale sharks in Hanifaru Bay.
Moreover, the event partnered with USAID’s Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity. This partnership garnered enthusiastic support from the Maalhos community, particularly its youth. Participants engaged in an educational beach cleanup, where they learned to identify and categorize marine litter. This hands-on experience equipped them with valuable data collection skills. It also deepened their understanding of plastic pollution’s impact on marine ecosystems.
Justin DiVenanzo, the Acting Mission Director for USAID Sri Lanka and Maldives, stated,
“USAID is committed to sustainable, locally-driven solutions that enhance environmental resilience and expand economic opportunities for Maldivian communities. By uniting with The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Maldives Freediving Association, and the Maalhos community, we’re not only helping safeguard the marine environment but also equipping the next generation with the knowledge and inspiration needed to protect these precious ecosystems.”
Following the cleanup, Redl conducted an interactive session focused on plastic awareness. Participants eagerly presented their findings, categorizing waste materials, including beverage containers and food packaging. These engaging discussions stressed how individual actions can significantly influence ocean preservation. They upheld the community’s need for sustainable practices to protect the marine environment.
Through its collaboration with Christian Redl and engagement with the Maalhos community, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort champions ocean conservation. The resort emphasizes sustainability in every aspect of the guest experience, ensuring that both visitors and locals benefit from these vital efforts.
