LOS ANGELES, California – The Maldives are among the few destinations with unspoiled ecological hot spots – rich in biodiversity. In line with the John Keells corporate philosophy, various energy initiatives are carried out at the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa.
For years, the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuuraa Huraa in the Maldives has demonstrated a strong commitment to the seamless integration of sustainability throughout its value chain, implementing policies and sound environmental practices that allow an eco-friendly and ethical operation on all levels. Those efforts recently earned Green Globe certification.
“Our entire team is enthusiastically involved in environmental protection, and we strive to live the pledge ‘I will be green,’” said Mr. Nalinda Liyanage, General Manager at the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuura Huraa. “We encourage our partners, guests, staff, and local communities to join our actions, which include environmentally-friendly waste disposal, composting programs, reuse and recycle programs. It is our goal to continuously identify all potential impacts on the environment, and manage such impacts whilst using our resources in a sustainable and efficient manner.”
The Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa resort initiated a project called “Walk Way Lights Powered by Nature,” with the objective of generating electricity using sea water (wave) and solar power, utilizing materials with a zero/low cost, including leftover wood, discarded bulbs, old generator battery, solar panel and power generator made in-house. The use of natural resources to generate electricity has reduced the consumption of diesel, thus minimizing the carbon footprint. Other best practices include the installation of solar panels for hot water heating, the collection of rainwater for use, and the reuse of treated waste water for gardening and flushing purposes. A number of vegetables and herbs used in the kitchen are grown on the resort’s own organic farm.
CSR activities are numerous at the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa, and range from regular tree planting campaigns to educating local schoolchildren at Mulee Educational Center on the importance of protecting the environment. Beach and reef cleaning was organized on World Tourism Day and on World Oceans Day, with the participation of guests and staff members. Island cleaning is done on a daily basis in the inhabited island of Sitthihura and the Robinson Island that is used by the guests. The resort has also taken serious steps to mitigate the spread of diseases, such as Dengue and HIV Aids. A Dengue Control Campaign and an HIV-Aids Awareness program were conducted with the involvement of the community, guests, and staff.
ABOUT CHAAYA LAGOON HAKURAA HURAA
The Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa is part of John Keells Hotels PLC, which is the hospitality leader in the Sri Lanka and Maldivian sector. For an ultimate holiday experience, the Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa is the perfect destination, offering the wonders of sun, sand and sea in a backdrop of ultimate comfort. “Hakuraa Huraa” means “reef above water,” and this pristine coral island is located in Meemu Atoll, 145 km from the capital Male. It takes 45 minutes by seaplane to get to this idyllic 6-acre island paradise
Surrounded by an azure ocean lagoon replete with the wonders of the underwater world, this is a paradise for diving and snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing, and canoeing. Accommodation at this spectacular beach hideaway includes 70 over water bungalows and 10 beach bungalows. Guests can enjoy outstanding food at the resort’s restaurant, special candle lit dinners are available. Set in an open, natural environment, the resorts’ Chavana Spa makes a heavenly escape.
Contact: Kavinga Karunasekara, Specialist Sustainabiity Processes, John Keells Maldivian Resorts (Pte) Ltd., 2nd floor, H. Maizan Building, Sosun Magu, Male, 2052 Republic of Maldives, E-mail kavinga.jkmr@kells.com.mv , Phone: +960 7970 795 (mobile), +960 6640 055 (general), Fax: +960 6640 066, www.chaayahotels.com or: www.chaayamaldives.com
ABOUT GREEN GLOBE CERTIFICATION
Green Globe Certification is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally-accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe Certification is based in California, USA, and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe Certification is a member of the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, supported by the United Nations Foundation. For information, visit www.greenglobe.com