Maldives

The reef of the Maldivian archipelago represents one of the richest ecosystems on earth. We believe that it is important for each of us to educate ourselves about the environment and to help maintain it for future generations. Therefore a series of informative programmes, special projects and measurable initiatives have been introduced to protect and preserve the land and water.

Resident Marine Biologist
Guests are invited to embark with our Resident Marine Biologist on an environmental quest to respect and protect the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives. The Biologist lives at the Resort and helps implement various environmental initiatives and educational programmes, personally escorts the daily snorkelling excursions and presents Fish Talk presentations each evening. Private meetings are also available to discuss any specific concerns or special areas of interest.

Adopt-A-Reefball Project
The resort and PADI have embarked on a joint reef rejuvenation initiative, the Adopt-a-Reef Ball project. Reef balls are man-made structures, comprised of a special, marine friendly, concrete and are designed to mimic natural reef systems and to facilitate the growth of corals in areas where the reef has been damaged. In November 2001, a team from The Reef Ball Foundation launched Kuda Huraa's programme and instructed the resort team on constructing and deploying a reef ball. Over 250,000 reef balls have been deployed in over 3,500 projects worldwide making reef balls the most widely used designed artificial reef in the world. Reef balls are used primarily to restore ailing coral reefs and to create new sites for scuba diving or fishing and for many other uses such as beach protection, mitigation, fresh water, education, and for creating all types of aquatic reef systems.

The project also features an innovative technique called coral propagation. This process is similar to the techniques used on plants and ensures a ten times faster growth rate of the coral. It is expected that the coral propagation at the reefs near Kuda Huraa to reach a 90% success rate. These amazing techniques have only been in place for around three years. For a fee of US$250, guests can adopt a reefball.

Fish Talk
We believe that protecting and preserving the environment starts with raising awareness. Each evening, the Resort features a lecture by our Resident Marine Biologist. The 45-minute talk and slide presentation is interactive and immerses guests into the amazing aquatic world of the Maldives. The nominal fee which is charged for the lectures goes into the Kuda Huraa Green Fund, which supports the environmental initiatives in the local community.

Snorkelling and Diving
Coral reefs are living animals which protect islands from erosion. They grow at a very slow rate and take years to build their external skeletons. We ask guests that they take great care when approaching a reef and never touch, stand or rest on the coral with their hands, feet or fins. Kuda Huraa features a 'No Glove' policy at the Dive Centre. We strongly request that guests never touch any living animal while diving or snorkelling. All reef components are very important to the ecosystem. Shells, dead coral and sand should never be removed from the sea or the beach. It is forbidden by international law to collect, buy and sell coral.

Shopping
One immediate contribution visitors to the Maldives can make to the protection of the environment is to refrain from purchasing coral, shell, shark and turtle products. Turtles and marine mammals are protected by international law. Maldivian law protects Napoleon wrasses, sharks, dolphins and whales, all stony corals and some species of shells like tritons and giant clams. We do not feature any of these products in the resort shop.

Recycling and Waste Disposal
We have recycling, waste separation and staff educational programmes in place at Kuda Huraa. The resort features its own desalination plant and a modern water treatment system. All used water is properly treated and is used entirely for landscaping purposes. Landscaping waste is used for composting. We try to minimise the use of plastic and other non-biodegradable materials throughout the resort. A mini incinerator is used to reduce the amount of materials exported from the island and the resort is working with the neighbouring island community of Bodu Huraa by sponsoring a waste incineration programme and a water treatment study which is currently being conducted with the aim of improving the island's threatened fresh water supply. In-bungalow amenity bottles are ceramic and refillable with biodegradable products.

Fish Feeding
Our fish feeding schedule is monitored by Kuda Huraa's Marine Biologist. We ask that guests never feed fish any bread, as this is not a natural food source and can damage the animal's digestive system and cause aggressive behaviour. Fish may also become resistant to sourcing their own food supply.

Guests can further assist the resort in these exciting conservation efforts by making a contribution to Kuda Huraa's Green Fund. All money goes directly into protecting the environment and educating guests and the local population about our initiatives.