The world's oceans have become dumping grounds for rubbish, and remote atolls suffer particularly from the rubbish that washes ashore, which they have to collect and dispose of at great expense. The Sirru Fen Fushi Resort on the Shaviyani Atoll, around 230 kilometres north of the main island of Malé, takes a creative approach to the problem and uses upcycling to make beautiful things out of plastic and fishing nets.
Under the guidance of environmental experts, a "Sustainability Lab" was set up here, in which plastic can be processed directly on site. Plastics are melted down and then pressed into the shape of small turtles as key rings or luggage tags, for example, using an extrusion system.
The animal's motif was not chosen by chance: Many sea turtles live around the resort, especially the highly endangered hawksbill turtles and olive ridley turtles. A marine biologist regularly searches the beaches, secures and monitors all turtle nests. When hatchlings hatch, a team helps them to reach the sea safely.
Travelled far: Waste from China and India
To date, more than 4,000 kilograms of plastic have been reused in the recycling centre. Most of the rubbish has been washed up from far away, for example from China or India, according to the centre. It is used to make colourful furniture, rubbish bins and works of art. So-called ghost nets, which are fished out of the Indian Ocean and can become deadly traps for sea creatures, are given a second life as bracelets or luggage tags. In the waters off Sirru Fen Fushi alone, around 20 turtles have been rescued since 2022 after becoming entangled in the synthetic fibres.
As part of the project, school classes from the region are also regularly invited to teach children about environmental protection. At the same time, upcycled items are donated to schools, including rulers and folding boards. The aim is to show children how they can be part of the solution to the growing waste problem, according to the hotel's website.
RIU saves corals and whale sharks
RIU Hotels & Resorts is equally committed to sustainability at the destinations it offers. In the Maldives, the hotel chain is continuing its collaboration with Blue Reef Reforest for a further three years (until 2027) and is also entering into a new alliance with the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP).
The Blue Reef Reforest project focuses on the reforestation of the coral reef south of the island of Kedhigandu. In the coming years, coral growth is to be promoted - through new artificial structures, educational programmes, workshops and beach clean-ups with the local community and guests.
Since 2006, MWSRP has been committed to researching and protecting whale sharks in the Maldives, where this species is of crucial importance for biodiversity and sustainable tourism. This involves collecting scientific data on whale sharks, promoting sustainable practices in the tourism industry and educating the local population. In addition, workshops and beach clean-ups are organised to raise awareness among the local population for the protection of marine fauna. / kn
