Pioneer of sustainable, barefoot luxury in the Maldives, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, has released its state-of-the-art new Eco-Centre. The island has completely renovated its previous structure, with extensive recycling and composting facilities alongside a ‘Gili Veshi’ Marine Biology Shack, due to open later in the year.
The new Eco-Centre includes a food composter that digests food and garden waste, in turn generating the compost the resort uses to fertilise its Gili Garden, where much of the food served on site is grown. Sustainability is the core of Gili Lankanfushi’s vision, with an emphasis on preserving the natural environment, protecting the fragile marine ecosystem and leaving only footprints behind.
We met with Gili Lankanfushi’s resident Marine Biologist and Sustainability Manager, Jocelyn Panjikaran to find out the latest about sustainability and The Maldives.
How did it all start?
Sustainability is one of our core values at Gili-Lankanfushi. We understand that our actions have an impact on the environment and the communities we operate in. Therefore, we made a conscious decision to prioritize sustainability throughout all aspects of our hotel, from design and construction to day-to-day operations. Our commitment to sustainability is an ongoing journey, and we continuously seek innovative ways to improve our practices and minimize our impact on the environment.
Hotels are increasingly expected to be eco-conscious and to have a commitment to sustainability. What eco trends are you seeing in the hospitality sector?
Sustainable tourism can have a tremendously positive impact on both the environment and local communities in any destination. It fosters the conservation of natural resources, environmental protection, and community development. In recent years, we have witnessed the emergence of various eco-trends as businesses recognize the significance of sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Hotels, in particular, have been embracing green building and design principles, incorporating sustainable materials and implementing energy-efficient systems. They prioritise natural lighting, utilise water-saving technologies, and explore renewable energy sources to minimize their ecological footprint.
A growing emphasis is placed on waste reduction and proper waste management practices within the hospitality sector. To reduce the carbon footprint associated with food transportation, hotels are increasingly sourcing locally produced, organic, and seasonal ingredients. Additionally, the trend of growing one’s own vegetables and herbs has gained popularity. Eco-friendly practices like eliminating single-use plastics, implementing in-house water bottling units, and using environmentally friendly products are being adopted.
Another key focus is on local employment and training, empowering local communities and promoting inclusivity. Hotels actively engage with and support local communities, as well as participate in social and environmental initiatives. This may involve partnerships with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to maximize positive impacts. Embracing new technology and innovation is essential for enhancing operational efficiency and minimizing the wastage of natural resources within the hotel industry. Collaborating with environmental benchmarking agencies helps hotels monitor and reduce their environmental impacts, contributing to continuous improvement in sustainability practices.
What are the best ways to travel sustainably and to be an environmentally responsible tourist?
Our choices shape the story we create, making it crucial to consider our environmental impact. To contribute positively, we should prioritize operators that embrace sustainable practices. Traveling light reduces our carbon footprint. It is essential to educate ourselves about and respect the local customs, traditions, and cultural sensitivities of the places we visit. Supporting local artisans helps preserve cultural heritage and empowers local communities. Opting for locally sourced food and products supports the local economy and reduces transportation-related emissions. Do not engage in activities that exploit or harm wildlife, and avoid purchasing products derived from endangered species. Reducing plastic waste and responsibly disposing of waste. Conserving energy and water minimize resource consumption. Finally, give back to the environment and communities wherever possible.
What is your favourite marine animal?
It’s too hard to decide!
How can guests at Gili Lankanfushi Maldives get involved with eco-friendly activities on the island? Is there an opportunity for them to get hands-on at the new eco centre?
We are thrilled to introduce our eco-centre, a dedicated space where our guests can immerse themselves in our sustainability initiatives, explore our recycling methods, and engage in enriching workshops. At our eco-centre, we offer workshops that delve into local traditions, arts, and crafts, allowing guests to deepen their understanding of our vibrant culture. Additionally, we provide educational sessions on the diverse ecosystems present at Gili Lankanfushi, offering a unique opportunity to learn about and appreciate the rich natural environment that surrounds us.
Can you tell us more about The Coral Lines Project and how the initiative is going?
Our coral line project was initiated in 2014, and we are proud to announce that we currently have 354 lines in place. Coral populations are susceptible to disturbances and subsequent recovery cycles due to their vulnerable nature. In 2016, our house reef experienced the impact of warmer waters during the El Nino event, resulting in coral bleaching. However, against all odds, a majority of the coral fragments in our coral lines nursery managed to survive.
Transplanting coral is a meticulous process that involves trial and error. To ensure the preservation of healthy coral, we started with a small number of coral colonies at a test site. In the initial stage of our coral restoration project, we carefully transplanted the coral to a nearby bommie. Witnessing its current thriving state, teeming with life, is inspiring. Encouraged by this success, we have progressed to stage two of our coral restoration efforts, which involves moving coral from our nursery to our house reef.
Given the fragile nature of coral species, our rehabilitation plans remain highly adaptable and subject to long-term monitoring. We anticipate adjusting our approach and long-term management strategies to align with the ever-changing reef environment. We are collecting valuable scientific data, which we hope will contribute to the existing knowledge on coral reef rehabilitation. Our transplanting efforts on the house reef are progressing well, and we are thrilled to share this positive development.
How does Gili Lankanfushi Maldives continue to be ahead of competitors as the original Maldives eco island?
In my perspective, sustainability is a collaborative journey where we have an opportunity to learn and inspire each other. Every island is unique and our approach to sustainability is tailored to what works best for us. We aim to continuously innovate and improve the way we operate to minimize our environmental impact and conserve the beauty of these islands.
If you were asked for your top tips on how to be more environmentally friendly and eco-conscious on a day-to-day basis what would they be?
Educate yourself about environmental issues and sustainable practices. Say no to single use plastic. Choose locally sourced, organic and seasonal food products. Reduce energy usage and conserve water. Small changes can have big impacts.
What will happen to the Maldives in 30 years?
It is challenging to predict the future of the Maldives with certainty, considering the many factors that can influence its trajectory over the next 30 years. We should focus on minimizing our environmental impacts and protecting these beautiful islands.
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All imagery courtesy of Gili Lankanfushi Maldives.