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8/14/2019 A RApid Assessment of PeRceptions Into EnviRonmentAl
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A RApid Assessment ofpeRceptions into
enviRonmentAl mAnAgement
sonevA fushi ResoRt AndsonevA gili ResoRt, mAldives vol 1
live&leARnera ea
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2
Prepared for Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili resorts
by Live & Learn Environmental Education, Maldives
January 2008
H. Huba (1st Floor), Medhuziyaaraiy Magu, Male,
Republic of Maldives Phone/Fax: (960) 3303585
E: livelearnmaldives@yahoo.com
http://www.livelearn.org
Written by: Fathimath Shafeeqa, Elaine Glen, Zameela Ahmed
and Jady Smith
Edited by: Nirmali Savundranayagam
Design and layout by: Karen Young
Photos provided by: Douglas Henderson, Maares NGO, Anke
Hofmeister, Hannah Stewart, Elaine Glen, Zameela Ahmed,
Ahmed Riyaz Jauhary and Mussab Anees
Copyright: Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili resorts andLive & Learn Environmental Education
Disclaimer: This report was prepared by consultants
for Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili resorts. The findings,
interpretations, and conclusions expressed in it do not
necessarily represent the views of Soneva Fushi and Soneva
Gili resorts or those of the Government. Soneva Fushi and
Soneva Gili resorts do not guarantee the accuracy of the data
included in this report and accepts no responsibility for any
consequences of their use.
AbbReviAtions
EE Environmental Education
MWSA Maldives Water and Sanitation Authority
MDGs Millennium Development Goals
MEEW Ministry of Environment Energy and Water
MOFT Ministry of Finance and Treasury
MPND Ministry of Planning and National Development
NEAP National Environmental Action Plan
NBSAP National Biodiversity Strategy& Action Plan
RAP Rapid Assessment of Perceptions
SGR Soneva Gili Resort
SFR Soneva Fushi Resort
SOE State of the Environment
TA Technical Assistance
TEAP Tsunami Emergency Assistance Project
WB World Bank
WDC Womens Development Committees
WHO World Health Organisation
WIA Whole Islands Approach
WSS Water Supply and Sanitation
UN United Nations
UNEP United Nations Environment Program
live&leARnera ea
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contents
Acknowledgements 4
Foreword 5
Executive Summary 7
Key Findings 9
1. Introduction 11
Context 11
Livelihoods in the Maldives 12
Tourism 12
Eco-Tourism 12
2. Background 15
Baa Atoll 15
Kaau Atoll 16
Soneva Fushi Resort & Soneva Gili Resort 17
Aim o the Rapid Assessment o 20
Perceptions
Research Methodology 21
3. Findings 23
Waste Management 24
Water Management 26
Beach Erosion 27
Energy Consumption 28
Biodiversity 29
Awareness 29
Ranking o Environmental Issues 30
Environmental Discourse 30
Capacity o Resorts to Deal with
Environmental Issues 33
Key Findings 35
4. Considerations, Recommendations 37
& Conclusions
Contextual Findings 37
Underlying Principles 38
Considerations or Innovative 40
Environmental Education Tools
Considerations or Innovative
Environmental Education Tools 40
5. The Way Forward 43
Concluding Remarks 43
Reerences 44
6. Annexes 43
Annex 1 Island Proles 47
Annex 2 Research Approach 48
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Acknowledgements
This report, tailored to support Soneva Fushi and
Soneva Gili resorts to advance sound environmental
management, was developed with assistance and
support rom many individuals.
At Soneva Fushi resort Andy Jones and Anke
Homeister were instrumental in approaching
and engaging Live & Learn right rom the outset.
Likewise Ranil Perera, Ahmed Irash, ManjulaAmarasinhe and Henry Quah provided considerable
support, assistance and hospitality to the entire Live
& Learn team whilst on the island and in Male.
Rochelle Kilgari and John Phillipson showed their
commitment to working with Live & Learn rom the
outset to improve environmental management at
the resort and in nearby communities. Thanks also
go to all the sta that made themselves available to
participate actively in the RAP sessions giving Live &
Learn an insight into their perceptions.
At Soneva Gili resort Musab Anees provided a great
deal o assistance in the organization o the RAP
and in providing hospitality to the Live & Learn
team, with support rom Frank Wesselhoet and
the Human Resources department. Thanks also go
to all the sta that made themselves available to
participate actively in the RAP sessions and share
their perceptions on the environment.
Finally at Live & Learn Zameela Ahmed and Mariyam
Shazna played key roles in acilitating the RAPs at both
resorts with the assistance o Ahmed Riyaz Jauhary,
Ismail Naseer, Elaine Glen and Fathimath Shaeeqa.
Thanks also go to Nirmali Savundranayagam and
Jady Smith or reviewing the reports and to Gordon
Ewers or connecting Live & Learn and Soneva Fushi
resort together to get the ball rolling.
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foRewoRd
Waste management is a key environmental issue in
the Maldives. The country has developed rapidly
over the last ew decades, consumption levels haveincreased signiicantly and the inrastructure has
not been in place to deal with the corresponding
increase in waste material. Recycling and reuse
levels are low and the main waste management
options have been to burn, dump on beaches and
at sea and to send the remainder to the waste
Island Thilaushi.
Thilaushi has increased by 1 million square eet
in less than 10 years. This landill site will need to
increase in size yet again unless more sustainable
waste management policies and systems are
introduced at resorts and other inhabited islands to
minimise the amount o waste generated.
The irst step in the process o developing a
sustainable waste management system is gaining
a deeper understanding o the current situation.
At Soneva Fushi Resort we began to address the
issue by conducting a waste audit. This provided an
estimate o waste generated by volume and material
type. We looked at how each waste component
was dealt with and then considered alternative
waste management options that could reduce our
environmental impact.
We started to introduce new waste management
systems: composting; the use o waste wood in
pizza ovens; and passing coconuts through a
chipper to provide mulch or the gardens. I waste
is separated at source in oices, kitchens and in host
and guest areas, composting and recycling o metal
and plastic become viable options.
However, we realised that changing perceptions
and behaviour was as important as providing the
necessary equipment and inrastructure to separate,
reuse and recycle. A prerequisite to a sustainable
waste management system is a undamental shit in
the way we perceive and deal with waste. Ratherthan being something that has no urther use and
in many ways a problem that is taken somewhere
else to be dealt with, waste should be seen as a
resource that has value, consisting o materials that
can re-enter the productive process.
Before awareness-raising events in the resorts and
on selected local islands were started, both Six
Senses resorts in the Maldives , Soneva Fushi and
Soneva Gili, invited Live & Learn to assess the
environmental perceptions of our hosts and thelocal communities on Eydhafushi, Dhonfanu and
Himmafushi. A description of the Rapid Assessments
of Perceptions at the resorts and their outcomes are
summarised in this document. Waste management
was identified as the most pressing environmental
challenge on both the resort and local islands. We
therefore set out to raise awareness of the waste
issue by holding workshops and introducing a new
training programme in 2007.
The relationship between Live & Learn and SonevaFushi and Soneva Gili was mutually beneficial. The
workshops that Live & Learn conducted during those
initial visits helped to provide initial momentum
and sent out a message to our hosts that change
was imminent. At the same time, the experience
of working at both Soneva resorts will allow Live &
Learn to work with other resorts.
We also hope to continue to support and work with
Live and Learn in order to raise awareness o and ind
solutions to waste problems across the Maldives.
John Phillipson
Area Director (Maldives and Sri Lanka)
The lessons learnt at Soneva Fushiand Soneva Gili will be disseminatedto other Six Senses resorts as wellas to communities in the Maldives.This will allow us to reduce our
environmental impact, which is aSix Senses Core Value.
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In early 2007 Soneva Fushi resort approached Live & Learn EnvironmentalEducation to undertake a Rapid Assessment o Perceptions (RAP) with sta
rom the resort and community members rom Eydaushi and Dhonanu
This report outlines the key ndings rom a RAP at Soneva Fushi Resort in
Baa Atoll, Maldives and a subsequent RAP at the sister resort Soneva Gili in
Kaau Atoll, which also included the community rom Himmaushi. This RAP
approach is an eort to better understand the local context and particularly
the perceptions o the local audience on environmental issues.This report is
designed to refect on the key ndings o the RAP in order to provide a basis
or the development o environmental education tools and methodologies
or environmental management, that are both eective and appropriate tothe expectations and context o the resort and communities.
The RAP highlights signicant initiatives that both resorts are actively
taking in promotion o environmental management or the resort and with
nearby communities. These eorts are to be applauded, and set a valuable
model or other resorts in the Maldives. Although progress has been made,
ndings rom the RAP highlight many areas o environmental management
that require continued and sustained eort, especially in terms o waste,
water, energy and beach erosion. Whilst the resort has taken the initiative
and employed consultants and key sta with environmental backgrounds,
it will be essential to mobilise the entire workorce to eectively address
environmental management on the islands.
Eective environmental management requires us to refect and build on
existing and past initiatives. The RAP provides a broad benchmark rom,
which to develop a strategic approach to environmental management. Such
an approach would be centered around an environmental management
system consisting o policies, inrastructure (hardware) and education
and awareness programs with sta and guests (sotware) to bring about
improved environmental management. The approach itsel is just another
document i it is not acted on. As such the real strategy is in gaining the
participation o the resort sta and communities.
eXecutive summARY
The RAP highlightssignifcant initiatives thatboth resorts are activelytaking in promotiono environmentalmanagement or theresort and with nearbycommunities.
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With specic regard to the environmental education
and awareness program, and how to gain increased
action, the ollowing recommendations are oered:
Developanenvironmentalawarenessand
mobilization program or 2-3 years to guide
the overall implementation o activities andinitiatives;
Focustheprogramonrelevantlocalneeds
and builds upon existing skills, knowledge and
motivations to change behavior;
Cultivatein-houseexpertiseinparticipative
acilitation techniques, especially in the training
department to raise awareness and develop
necessary skills to catalyze behavior change;
Promoteindividualandparticipants
responsibilities to act in an eco riendly manner
and participate actively in environmentalinitiatives;
Ensurethattherearealwaysoneortwoclear
messages: eorts that are spread too thinly or
vaguely over a range o issues may ail. This is
especially o concern or short-term initiatives;
Startingwiththelearner:,focusonissuesof
most interest and that have do-able activities,
as this will serve to increase motivation and
empower people to consider acting on more
diicult tasks;
Inthedevelopmentofappropriatetools,critical
thinking needs to become a key ingredient in all
Environmental Education activities;
Combineeducationwithaction-basedlearning,
investigating local issues (such as waste
management) in order to capitalize on local
participants willingness and skills to enable
environmental change;
EnvironmentalEducationtoolsandactivitiesneed to connect to everyday activities that are
primarily ocused on real lie situations.
Leadbyexamplethroughthedevelopmentof
best practice environmental activities among
the respective participants.
Participationinenvironmentalactivitiesshould
not be rushed. It is critical that people have a
strong sense o ownership o the activities, and
then the participation process will lead to real
results that are sustainable.
Our environment is an interlinked system. The RAPs
show how environmental management practices
on the resorts and communities impact each other.
Resorts are aected by environmental management
practices on nearby inhabited islands and vice versa.
Thereore improving environmental management
on the resorts will only address some o the
challenges. Only by taking an integrated and holistic
approach with nearby island communities can
meaningul strategies and solutions be shaped oreective environmental management and ultimately
sustainable development in the Maldives.
faar RAp
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keY findings
Key Finding 1:
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili resorts are both pro-actively addressing environmental issues and assisting
island communities.
SonevaFushiconductsawardwinningnaturetripsannually.
Theresortsassistcommunitiestoaddressenvironmentalissuesthroughtheirsocialresponsibility
unds.
Specialdaysaremarkedwithinvolvementofschoolchildrenfromtherespectivecommunities.
Key Finding 2:
Resort sta are most concerned about:
wastemanagement,
beacherosion, waterandenergymanagement,
awarenessandpracticesofstaff;and
pestcontrol.
NB: The importance o these issues varied between the resorts.
Key Finding 3:
Resort sta perceive that their habits should be changed to be more environmentally riendly:
Attitudestowardtheenvironmentareverypositiveamongindividualsandgroupsthatwere
interviewed. Constraintsexisttochangingbehaviourorimplementingnewsystems.
Key Finding 4:
Sta showed positive interest in alternatives or energy and waste management:
Therewasstronginterestinacquiringtheskillsandknowledgeneededtoexperimentwithalternative
energy sources.
Key Finding 5:
Training was identiied as needing to be more consistent or all levels:
Thetrainingdepartmentlacksthetechnicalknowledgeofalternativestodealwithenvironmental
issues.
Indigenousknowledgeexistswithinthestaffatbothresortsbutneedstobefosteredandusedto
address environmental issues.
Key Finding 6:
Sta considered it important to try to deal with environmental issues themselves, and try to integrate the
issues into their own training programs:
Thereisgoodawarenessandinterestbutanewapproachormodalitymaybeneededtochange
existing behaviours.
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conteXt
The Maldives are a chain o 1,190 small low-lying coral islands grouped
into 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean: 198 islands are inhabited and 80
house tourist resorts. The islands are predominantly coastal entities, and
their ecosystems are among the most vulnerable in the world. Unique
geography and vulnerability pose key development challenges or the
country. The dispersion o the population across the archipelago raises
the cost o delivering social services, as economies o scale are dicult to
achieve in service provision.
In December 2004 the Indian Ocean tsunami fooded the low-lyingMaldives islands, but hit with less orce than in places closer to the epicenter
o the Sumatra earthquake because o protection aorded by its coral
rees. However 82 people were killed, 26 more are missing and presumed
drowned, and 100,000 were let homeless. Two British tourists were killed.
Out o 87 resorts in the islands, 24 were damaged by the tsunami, and
tourist arrivals declined dramatically (Ministry o Tourism, 2005).
On inhabited islands inrastructure was damaged or destroyed, waste
disposal sites were destroyed spreading waste throughout the islands,
putting public health at risk and the groundwater lens at risk o
contamination rom leaching o pollutants. The reshwater lens was alsoendangered by potential contamination rom spilled oil, salt intrusion
and sewage rom ractured sewerage networks or damaged septic tanks.
The natural disaster led to a number o environmental and public health
concerns (Millennium Development Goals Maldives Country Report,
2005). In the atermath o the tsunami the international donor community
and Government o Maldives responded to the immediate emergency and
ongoing development needs o the country. Eorts continue today, more
than 2 years later to build back better.
1intRoductionThe Maldives has anarrow economic basethat relies on 2 criticalsectors: tourism andfsheries.
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One o the key priorities o the tourism industry in
the Maldives is maintaining the quality o the natural
environment in the Maldives. The ocus o the eort
should be on monitoring what is happening in
order to take appropriate action. The general thrust
o action should concern:-
IntegratingTourismwithCoastalResources
Management;
TourismandMarineResearch;
DevelopingProtectedAreas(e.g.MarineParks);
EnvironmentalPublicAwarenessProgrammes;
ResortEnvironmentalImprovementMeasures;
ResortInfrastructureStandards.
In 1997, ater celebrating over 25 years o sustainable
development in tourism, His Excellency the President
Maumoon Abdul Gayyoom announced an annual
award or the most environmentally outstanding
tourist resort: President o Maldives Green Resort
Award. Previous winners include Sun Island resort
(1999, 2003), Sonevaushi resort (2000, 2005),
Coco Palm Resort (2001), Angsana (2002) and
Banyan Tree (2004). This award aims to generate
environmental awareness, encourage development
and operation o environment riendly tourist
resorts and thereby acilitate sustainable tourismdevelopment in the Maldives.
fr a ma
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The dominant natural environment o the Maldives is the marineenvironment. Outside the atolls the deep ocean covers a large area, and
the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the territorial waters o the Maldives
cover an area o 859,000km2 and 115,300km2 respectively. Lagoons, rees
and to a lesser extent sea grass and wetland areas make up the marine
environment inside the atolls. The lagoon and ree areas make up about
21,300 km2 (MPHRE, 1998). The white sandy beaches and the vegetation
ound on the island periphery are very important in the Maldives island
ecosystem. They orm an important protection or the housing and
inrastructure near to the shore, and are the main source o income or
the tourism industry. The main types o ecosystems ound are coral rees,
islands,seagrass,swampsandmangroveareas.Coralreefsarethemajor
type o ecosystem that exists in the Maldives in terms o area as well the
diversity o lie that exists in the system. This diversity is amongst the richest
in the region and the corals rees o the Maldives are signicant on a global
scale as well, being the 7th largest in the world, covering a total area o
8,920 km2 and contributing 5% o the worlds ree area (Spalding et al.
2001).
As the Maldives is an island nation, the extent o terrestrial biological
diversity is mostly conned to the small island environments. The foral
composition is considerable taking into account the absence o diverse
terrestrial ecosystems and the poor and inertile nature o the soil. Islands
in the south, particularly Fuvahmulah and Hithadhoo, demonstrate a richer
diversication o plants than the north. The terrestrial aunal diversity is
generally poor in the Maldives and is understandable in the absence o
huge landmasses, orests and associated ecosystems. Webb (1988) noted
that islands o the Maldives are not known or their abundant wildlie.
bAA Atoll
The Baa Atoll is about 130km (80 miles) northwest o Male and consists o
75 islands. Thirteen o these islands are inhabited and 5 house resorts. TheAtoll is made up o two geographical atolls; namely South Maalhosmadulu
Atoll and Goidhoo atoll. The larger o the two atolls is South Maalhosmadulu
Atoll and covers an area o 1344km and it consists o 10 inhabited islands.
2bAckgRoundThe Baa Atoll is about130km (80 miles)northwest o Male andconsists o 75 islands.Thirteen o theseislands are inhabitedand 5 house resorts.
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The population o Baa Atoll is 12049 with a
composition o 5787 women and 6262 men. It is
one o the ew atolls where traditional arts and crats
are now practiced in the Maldives. Eydhaushi and
Thulhaadhoo are amous or making handicrats
using lacquer art designs. Other traditional crat
work practiced in the atoll include rope making andthatch work, which is being extensively carried out
by women in most o the islands in the atoll. Fishing
and tourism related work are the major economic
activities carried out by the men in the atoll. Other
occupations o many men living on these islands
include carpentry, masonry, retail business and
construction work. Agriculture is more prominently
carried out by communities living on Dharavandhoo,
Goidhoo and Kihaadhoo.
Baa Atoll is considered as a good example o the richbiodiversity ound in the Maldives, including large
mangroves and unique diversity o auna, such as
the benthic auna. The Atolls coral rees are amous
or the large number o manta rays and ree sharks
visiting during the southwest monsoon (during May
to July). The rich coral gardens and colourul ree sh
make the atoll one o the diving choices in Maldives.
Maaddoo Giri, Dhonan Thila, Horubadhoo Thila
and Baiypholhi Mas are some o the diving sites with
fourishing aquatic lie. In addition, the ring-shaped
ree orms known as aroes in the Baa Atoll is a reestructure which is unique to the country.
The southernmost uninhabited island o Olhugiri in
Baa atoll lies 13 km north o Goidhoo Atoll. Olhugiri
is well-known or its unique natural vegetation and
or providing two o the only perching sites or the
Great Frigatebird in the Maldives. Likewise, other
marine creatures such as hawksbill turtles can be seen
here too. The Fisheries Ministry o the Maldives has
banned catching turtles or taking eggs rom Olhugiri,
which also applies to 11 other islands o the country. A UNDP unded project is currently being
implemented by the Ministry o Environment,
Energy and Water in Baa Atoll. The objective o
this project is the conservation and sustainable
use o globally signicant biological diversity
in the Maldives Baa atoll. The projects three-
pronged strategy is to 1) mainstream biodiversity
conservation objectives into sectoral policies and
programs and reinorce multi-sectoral institutional
ora; 2) conserve biodiversity in the water and on
the ground by establishing protected areas and
managing them through innovative national-local
and public - private partnerships in Baa Atoll; and 3)
relieve livelihood-related pressure on biodiversity by
enhancing ree shery property rights and enabling
local people to pursue more sustainable, alternative
livelihoods. By the end o the project, government,
local communities, and the private sector will be
partnering to secure the long-term conservation o
three protected areas in Baa Atoll. And, local peoplewill be applying new knowledge and accessing
new sources o nancing in pursuit o alternative
livelihoods.
kAAfu Atoll
Kaau Atoll comprises o our geographical atolls,
namely: North Male Atoll, South Male Atoll,
Kaashidhoo Atoll and Gaaaru Atoll. O the our
atolls, North Male Atoll consists o 25 tourist resorts
and hence has gained a reputation o being thetourism hub o Maldives. With clusters o brilliant
coral ormations, rich aquatic lie and luxury
accommodation, North Male Atoll attracts tourists
entering Maldives.
Male, the capital o the Maldives is situated at the
southern tip o North Male Atoll, whilst Thulsdhoo
(capital o Kaau Atoll) is situated on the South Eastern
rim o North Male Atoll. Hulhule island houses the
Male International airport and is considered as an
administrative district o the capital Male and hasbeen in existence since the late 70s. The opening
o the rst International Airport (in Hulhule) was the
beginning o a new era or the Maldivian economy
as it surpassed the primary and secondary industries
into the tertiary service market o tourism.
Kaau Atoll consists o a total o 107 islands and 9 o
these are inhabited. The population o Kaau Atoll is
10216 (not including Male) with a composition o
4872 women and 5344 men. The main economic
activities o the communities in Kaau Atoll are shing and tourism related work. Agriculture is
carried out extensively in Kaashidhoo (largest island
in the Atoll).
The proximity o the islands to Male allow people
living in Kaau Atoll to commute between Male
and their islands. Regular erry services to Male
are provided to most o these islands by the
islanders or external private parties who support
the communities. Some o the islands in Kaau Atoll
house special acilities, actories or arms run bythe government, local or international companies.
In Himmaushi there are a total o 7 such acilities:
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namely the Drug Rehabilitation Centre, Big Fish
Processing Factory, Cyprea Marine Foods, Ship
Yard, Stelco Power House, International Beverages
CompanyandNeelOrchidFarm.
Some o the island communities in Kaau Atoll were
severely aected by the Tsunami that hit the Maldives
in 2004. As mentioned beore, international donor
agencies have assisted some o the communities
aected in the Maldives to re-build rom the
eects o the disaster. In Kaau Atoll in particular,
donors have implemented projects in Kaashidhoo,
Guraidhoo, Huraa and Maaushi islands.
sonevA fushi ResoRt And
sonevA gili ResoRtSix Senses is a resort and spa management and
development company operating properties and
products branded as Soneva, Evason Hideaways,
Evason, Six Senses Spas and Six Senses Gallery.
Six Senses Spas are a key element in the resorts.
Six Senses owns both Soneva Fushi resort and
Soneva Gili resort in the Maldives. Soneva resorts
are committed to oer luxuries o the highestinternational standard in an environment that
nurtures the indigenous eel in design, architecture
and service - Intelligent Luxury.
Ara ka ia r sfR a.
va a sfR war a a sgR
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Soneva Fushi resort (SFR) is located on one o the
many coral-ree islands in Baa Atoll and is a 5 star
luxury resort that houses 15 bungalows, 15 beach
ront villas, 14 villas and 10 villa suites. Soneva Fushi
employs a total o 350 sta, 60 % o whom are
Maldivian and 30 % o whom are rom Baa Atoll.
The resort has been operating since 1995 and issurrounded by several inhabited islands, many
o which benet directly and indirectly through
interaction with the resort. The management in
Soneva Fushi Resort is very committed to promoting
the resort as an eco riendly option or its guests and
has previously been awarded the Presidents Green
Resort Award on two occasions.
Soneva Gili resort (SGR) is a 5 star luxury resort
located in Kaau Atoll within 15 minutes rom the
capital Male. Soneva Gili houses 44 water villa suitesand employs a total o 300 sta, 62 % o whom are
Maldivian. The resort has been operating since 2001
and is located in close proximity to Paradise Island
(another resort) and Himmaushi (an inhabited
island).
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili resorts are committed
to reducing the environmental and social impacts
o their activities and are specically concerned
about protecting the environment and beneting
the local communities in the Maldives. Through thedevelopment and implementation o Six Senses
Holistic Environmental Management Programme,
both resorts continually monitor and highlight ways
in which operations can be improved. A team o
key individuals at the resort have been selected to
drive activities related to social and environmental
issues and continuously seeks ways to better its
perormance.
The core purpose o Six Senses Resorts and
Spas is to create innovative and enriching
experiences in a sustainable environment. The
philosophy behind Soneva Gili is an Intelligent
Luxury notion, which displays lots o care and
attention to the environment while providing
all modern day luxuries. We have tried to leave
no stone unturned in our pursuit o service and
standards o comort or guests. However, we
are also conscious that the ragile environment
that we live in, is one o our main attractions.
Thus, we have tried to minimize the impact ourdevelopment has on it and we have deliberately
let some stones as they are. (From Social and
Environment Prole)
Their Holistic Environmental Management
Programme comprises policies and procedures
in line with Green Globe 21 standards, which are
continually updated to incorporate industry best
practice. On its path to achieving sustainability,
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili are committed to the
ollowing group-wide objectives:
Operational Practice Tominimizeresourceconsumptionand
waste generation through responsible waste-
reduction, purchasing polices, reuse, recycling
and composting programs.
Toresponsiblymanageenergyuseandtoseek
renewable energy sources.
Toresponsiblymanageandprotectwater
resources.
Topreferentiallypurchaselocal,environmentally
riendly, and socially responsible products,
especially organic and air trade products.
ora ar a sfR
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Planning and Development Tointegratesocialandenvironmentalconcerns
into planning and decision-making processes
TocontinuallyreviewandimproveSixSenses
Holistic Environmental Management Program
Toregularlymonitorourenvironmentalimpact,
developing action plans through regular
environmental meetings and monitoring o Key
Sustainability Indicators
Climate Change Toaddresstheissueofclimatechangethrough
both energy and resource management policies
andavoidingfugitiveemissionsofCFCs
To prevent any escape of hazardous substances
into the environment and to phase out
environmentally damaging products as soon as
benign alternatives are practicable
Social Responsibility Todonate0.5%ofrevenuestoprojects
that will beneit both the local and global
community and environment.
Topromoteawarenessofsustainabilityamongst
hosts, guests, local communities and suppliers/
business partners through training programs
and regular environmental awareness events.
Toinvolvelocalcommunitiesandactively
employ local sta and service providers
whenever possible.
wa , ara sfR
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Environmental Legislation Tomeet,orwheneverpossible,toimprove
upon the local legislative environmental
requirements and to set our own group-wide
minimum standards.
Tostrictlyavoidtheuseofanimalproducts
derived rom any endangered species or
produced using unnecessarily cruel or
environmentally destructive methods
Since commencing operations, both resorts have
been proactive in taking many environmental and
social initiatives. The resort management has also
allocated a social and environmental responsibility
und to conduct environmental activities in nearby
communities.
Aim of the RApid
Assessment of peRceptions
This Rapid Assessment o Perceptions (RAP) is a
social investigative research method developed and
rened by Live and Learn Environmental Education,
ater extensive application. It is a process, as much
as a method, which has become a hallmark o all
our programs. The RAP aims to assess participants
perceptions on issues relating to sustainable
development and then use these perceptions inshaping eective tools to change knowledge,
attitude and practices. In early 2007 Soneva Fushi
resort approached Live & Learn to undertake a RAP
with sta rom the resort and community members
rom 2 nearby inhabited islands (see separate report).
When the ndings o the Soneva Fushi RAP were
presented, it was agreed that Live & Learn would
conduct a RAP at Soneva Gili resort and Himmaushi
Island as well.
This is a qualitative report and as such does not relyheavily on technical inormation and is not intended
to serve as a technical report. The purpose o the
report is primarily as background or the development
o appropriate education or environmental
management. Although technical knowledge may
be considered stronger and is more traditionally
used or reporting: actions and behaviour are oten
more directly linked to perceptions.
The research carried out in this RAP will be used to
guide the development o innovative environmenteducation tools or the sta at Soneva Fushi/
Soneva Gili resorts and urthermore, to advance
sound environmental management in the Maldives.
The tools chosen will be based on the existing
knowledge base and perceptions o environmental
issues among the hosts at both Soneva Fushi resort
and Soneva Gili resort, along with a review o
existing approaches to environmental education
and resources. A range o ndings emerged rom
the research that will assist with identication o
appropriate tools and methodologies or promoting
sound environmental management within the
resort. This research also orms the base-line or
evaluation o project outcomes.
For environmental management to be successul
it needs to be inormed by an assessment o
stakeholder perceptions on related issues. The
RAP employed a data collection methodology
that was highly participative. The perceptions
o the participants were highlighted, utilizing a
combination o participatory mapping and ranking
cards. Specically themes on environmental issues,
opportunities or action, comprehension o social/
environmental linkages, and the ability to think
about the uture in decision making were assessed.
Additionally, perceptions o who makes decisions
about what activities are conducted at the resort
or environmental management were also sought.
Resort management and all personnel involved at
the resort participated in ocus groups and one toone interviews. The environmental management
approaches o both resorts in the resort were also
ia a xr a sgR
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discussed as part o the assessment.
Ideally, an assessment o perceptions should entail
a thorough and comprehensive exploration and
analysis o all stakeholder perceptions, issues and
options. The RAP approach seeks to take a snapshot
o perceptions this rapid approach greatlyreduces time requirements while still providing
useul inormation on stakeholder perceptions.
Consequently, this report presents a snap shot:
result o a rapid assessment within the scope o
time rame and the availability o the sta at both
resorts. This snap shot is still usable in satisying the
objective. The objective o the RAP was to provide an
analysis o the main actors and variables in the sta
perceptions which must be taken into consideration
in the design and development o orthcoming
innovative tools to be designed or the resort.
Research MethodologyThe RAP was carried out in Soneva Fushi resort on
15-21 April 2007 with a total o 47 participants,
5 women and 42 men. In addition, 22 interviews
were conducted with sta, 41% women and 59%
men. The RAP was carried out at Soneva Gili resorton 8th July 2007 with a total o 34 participants, 30
men and 4 women. In addition, 13 interviews were
conducted with sta, 92% men and 8% women.
Group size and make up are important considerations
or collecting the RAP data. The ocus groups
included sta rom the inner sphere and middle
management. The participants were organized in
mixed groupings to encourage active participation
rom those involved. Skilled acilitators were utilized
to manage the fow o inormation rom the groups.
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Soneva Fushi Soneva Gili
Focus group
One to one interviews
N
umberofstaf
gra 1: nr a ara RAp
sa r sfR ara RAp
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From the assessment at both SFR/SGR the sta perceived that there were anumber o environmental issues o concern, including waste management,
beach erosion, water and energy management, awareness and practices o
sta and pest control. However, the importance or impact o these issues
varied between the two resorts.
wAste mAnAgement
Waste management has been identied as a major environmental issue in
both resorts. This includes waste management at the resort and waste that
is dumped into the sea rom the nearby communities and saari boats, gets
collected on the rees and the beaches o the resort. Waste management
sites have been identied on SFR/SGR and although a lot o waste is
generated in the resort, it is not perceived as being managed eectively.
The hosts need to be trained to change their behaviour towards eective
waste management; or example, to segregate waste and stop littering.
Many sta believed that this was due to a lack o awareness about the
impact / consequences o their actions on the environment, whilst others
believed that sta were aware but did not care.
The ocus groups in the upper management highlighted that waste
management is a key environmental issue:
The majority o hosts are aware and trying to do their level best. Stopped smoking
on main road; now only in special locations. (One to one interview SGR)
Waste management is a major problem; one key problem is the attitude o
people. They do not give importance to segregate waste. Some do not eel
it is so important because once it is taken to Thilaushi everything is mixed.
Awareness should be raised and attempts should be made to change behavior
o people. It aects tourism, rubbish foating in the lagoon and sea. (Focus
group upper management SFR)
Carelessness o people, have to remind constantly eg., not to throw rubbish.When sta get back rom Male they bring a lot o rubbish into the island
including things like plastic bags. People do understand, but they do not
practice it or live it. Dumping rubbish in the sea is another major problem.
3findingsWaste managementhas been identifed asa major environmentalissue in both resorts.
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Communities in the surrounding islands and people in
saari boats dump a lot o rubbish into the sea (one to
one interview SGR).
In SFR most o the personnel in the inner sphere
who were interviewed perceived that i people were
empowered with knowledge on the consequences
o poor waste management (or example throwingmetal into the sea damages the corals) people
would think critically about these issues beore
taking any action that might harm or damage the
environment. In a one-on-one interview one o the
hosts identied the ollowing:
The resorts throw more waste into the sea than the
communities nearby. Awareness programs have been
conducted, but there is little impact o this on peoples
behaviour. It is very dicult to change behaviour /
habits; or instance when we went to do the sessionin the Champa hall, there was a lot o rubbish thrown
on the foor. These sorts o habits need to change...
(Sta rom SFR)
The most crucial threat to the environment is people.
People harm the environment by actions like throwing
waste such as plastic bags and cans into the sea.
There are rules or the hosts to ollow, but people do
not ollow them and the management does not ensure
that they are ollowed (One to one interview SGR).
Everything is related to proper awareness. In SonevaGilli usage o glass bottles was implemented but
people do not ollow, some are not aware. (Focus
group SGR)
The resort is 90% environment riendly but the people
are not practicing good ways due to bad habits. (One
to one interview SGR)
Notably sta members rom SGR pointed out that it
is important or sta members to be environmentally
aware rom a business perspective as well, as the
majority o sta members are in contact with guests
who have chosen the destination largely based on
its aesthetic beauty and environmentally riendly
credentials. One sta member noted that the
behaviour o the guests also oers opportunities or
learning.
Most [guests] are environmentally aware- they choose
the destination based on eco-riendly resort. (one to
one interview SGR)
Sometimes guests complain- giving attention toenvironment- I saw several guests collecting bottles
rom lagoons. We also learn rom guests behaviour.
(One to one interview SGR)
Positive environmental initiatives towards
effective waste management undertaken by
the resort as perceived by the participants.
Both resorts are very dedicated to conducting
positive environment related initiatives. Glass
bottles are used in the rooms to rell and store
water. At SFR approximately 1000 PET bottles are
used by the hosts per month, so management is
trying to reduce this number by encouraging them
to use bigger bottles o 20 litres. At SGR plastic bags
have been banned and sta members have each
been given 2 glass bottles that can be relled, so
as to avoid purchasing plastic water bottles. Bins
are placed in sta complexes to encourage the
segregation o waste and signs are located around
the resort about disposing o cigarette butts. Soneva
clean-up activities are regularly conducted by staon the island and the lagoon. Used alkaline batteries
are collected in separate bags in rooms and sent to
Sweden.
Reduce Mostofthekitchenwasteisthrowninthesea.
Compostingisdonewithsomevegetablescraps.
Reduceimportedproducefromoverseasto
reduce cost and packaging. Herbs and organic
ood are grown in the gardens and the Resortis looking in to the possibility purchasing locally
available products.
TheResortislookingintothepossibilityof
worm composting to reduce the kitchen waste
thrown into the sea.
TheResortisconsideringminimisingits
impact on nature by reducing the amount o
construction on the island.
Segregationofwasteatresortlevelisbeing
conducted (though needs some improvement).
90%ofallphotocopyingdoneisononeside
used paper. However, each day a resh menu
is developed and distributed, this is not very
good practice
Reducingthequantityofplasticbottlesused
should be a goal, beach cleaning should be
practiced.
Insteadofbuyinginsmallerquantities,many
products are bought in bulk.
Thereisarestrictiononbuyingpaper/wooden
products.
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Reuse Reuseplasticbags/cupsandcontainersto
plant seedlings.
Reuseofvariousmaterialsthatwould
otherwise be thrown away as waste.
Recycleusedwoodforconstructionandreuse
palm stems and ronds to produce innovative
items such as waste bins and decorative items.
Reuse branches and the bark o trees to make
urniture.
Leavesarenotclearedandseedlingsleftto
grow again which contributes to uture orestprogram.
TheResortmakesanefforttoreusepaper,use
dead trees to make various things, conduct
re-planting programs and use the islands
coconuts or cooking.
Kitchenoilisusedtolightlampsatthesideof
the paths.
Mulchismadefrompalmfrondsandtrunks
and is used in the gardens.
TheResortistostartusingrechargeable
batteries on the island.
c ra a a sfR
R a ara
pa ar r a r a
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Perceptions of the staff on opportunities to
improve waste management:
Lackofawarenessamongstaffand
communities on eective waste management.
Students,teachersandparentsintherespective
communities could visit the resort and observethe waste management practices.
Constructionofwastemanagementcentresin
the local communities is needed.
Sonevashouldencouragecompostingand
cultivation o ruits and vegetables in the
neighbouring communities.
Theconstructionofamoreeffectivemechanism
to dispose o waste is needed on the resort.
Biodegradablecontentneedstoberecycled
through composting.
Collectionofappropriatewastesfortreatment
overseas should be considered.
Theresortshouldprovideeachstaffwitha
glass bottle to reill and store water in order to
minimise on waste (currently implemented at
SGR).
Re-usewhateverispossible.
Durableplasticcouldbeusedinpreferenceso
that it could be reused and washed repeatedly.
Negotiationsshouldbeconductedwithcarriers
like LTU to carry back the waste.
Wastemanagementisnoteffectiveifatthe
managerial level people do not practice or are
not strict about implementing good practices.
Firmer resort rules and policies in regard to
detrimental environmental activities should beconsidered. A penalty system (such as ines)
should be looked into.
Avoiduseofplasticswherepossible.
Avoidnon-biodegradableproducts.
Reusepaperasmuchaspossiblebyreusing
envelopes and sending emails to communicate.
Therearelimitationsastowhatwecandoas
a resort. Maybe all the resorts together with
some assistance rom the government could act
together to deal with electronic waste.
Providemorebinsaroundtheisland.
wAteR mAnAgement
Desalinated water is generated on both resort islands
and used throughout the resort except or fushing
o toilets. To do this a process o reverse osmosis is
used to turn sea water into drinking water. In the
process chemicals and large quantities o energy are
used to generate the water. Participants in the RAP
were concerned about the usage o chemicals, the
release o emissions into the air (and its eect on
global warming and air quality generally) and the
consumption o energy. The taste o the desalinated
water was also commented on during a number o
one-to-one interviews:
The drinking water provided to the sta does not
taste good; this is why they buy bottled water. (Sta
rom SFR in a one to one interview )
From the interviews and the ocus group discussions
the sta have identied that some attempts have
been made to save water. Water-conserving taps
have been installed in the resort and swimming
pools use salt water in an attempt to save water.
Strong chemicals are not used or house cleaning;
environmentally riendly chemicals are used instead.
Linen sheets are not changed daily unless requested
by the guests, and even then only the bottom sheet
is taken or washing and is replaced by the top one.
Waste waterA major issue that was discussed by SFR sta was
that the waste water should be treated or reuse
in the resort. Diesel is poured into the septic tanks
to kill the smell and this is not perceived as good
practice. A suggestion was put orth by the ocus
groups that a sewage treatment plant should be
used in the resort so that a proper sewage system
will be in place and the waste water could be
reused. In the one-on-one interviews and the ocusgroups the sta expressed the view that the ground
water on the island is polluted mainly because o
the septic tanks and not having a proper sewer
system in place, whereby the waste can be treated.
Notably one compost toilet has been installed in
the garden area as an example o recycling human
waste without the input o water.
At SGR there is an operational sewage treatment
plant. Treated water rom this plant is reused in the
vegetable gardens at the resort. During the ocusgroup discussions, one group expressed a concern
about the smell o the treated water used in the
gardens, and the saety/health issues associated
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with walking bareoot in the gardens where treated
waste water is irrigated. Nonetheless a number o
participants commented that this sort o large scale
inrastructure was an important part o their system
or dealing with environmental issues on the island.
beAch eRosion
At both resorts beach erosion was perceived as a
serious issue; however it was ranked as the number
one issue at SGR. This island is ar smaller than
SFR and is located in between 2 channels with
very strong currents and winds that exacerbate
the problem. The participants perceived that the
island is in act getting smaller, that ongoing sand
dredging is damaging the seabed/sea lie and the
operation o the sand dredge releases smoke and
chemicals which contribute to global warming and
add up to destroying o tourism and the beauty o
the island.
The island is shrinking. Trees are dying because o
saltwater intrusion. We are pumping sand to combat
erosion. (One to one interview SGR)
It is endless, i people keep on digging the lagoon one
day there will not be a lagoon (ocus groups SGR)
Beach erosion is the major threat. A large part o the
island is reclaimed land. I think beach erosion is a result
o reclaiming the land (one to one interview SGR).
At SGR eorts have been made to plant trees to
minimise erosion (eg. Sahara beach) and a sand
dredge operates to combat the problem. However
it was generally perceived as an ongoing issue that
required management, and that other solutions (e.g.
sea walls/deences) were not necessarily appropriate
to the resort.
Tried a lot o things eg. protecting beach, sandpumping/sand bags etc. Still no long lasting solution.
Cant get rocks/sea wall because we need to keep it
natural (one to one interview SGR).
sa r r sgR r r a r a
ba r a a sgR
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eneRgY consumption
Both resorts are currently committed to becoming
zero carbon emission islands by 2010. Currently
however ossil uels are primarily utilised or
generating power. SRF consumes 4000 litres o
uel per day at a cost o 9 MRF per litre, so it is a
major cost or the resorts. There is a perception that
energy is wasted, especially the inappropriate use
o air conditioners is considered a signicant issue.
Sta recognised that measures have been taken in
regards to saving energy via the design o buildings,
through the circulating o hot water to sta rooms
(SGR) and the circulation o water rom the sea
and cool air through insulated pipes (SFR). Natural
ventilation is used in a newly built sta complex.
CFC free units are used in bars and in the villas.
However, the sta perceived that it would be goodto look at other alternative sources o energy such
as solar and wind energy.
In general the sta understood that the generation
o energy releases gases to the atmosphere and
that this contributes to global warming. The
sta who were interviewed elt that awareness o
environmental issues needs be raised in order or
behavioural changes to occur. There is signage in
each sta members room about turning o the air-
conditioner or lights, however it was noted that notall sta ollow these rules.
Few know, but dont ollow eg. not switching o
AC which increases uel consumption (one to one
interview SGR)
Many sta mentioned during the interviews that
they had watched the movie An Inconvenient
Truth. This initiative seems to have helped to
increase awareness about this global environmental
issue.
We have 1 CD- Inconvenient Truth- target 100% sta
to watch the CD. Such presentations work as an eye
opener. (one to one interview SGR)
It was acknowledged during the RAP that nancial
constraints exist with regard to exploring alternative
energy technologies. Despite this, both resorts are
looking into the possibility o using alternative
energy sources on the basis o its benets to the
environment and local ecosystems.
Looking at things like alternative sources o energy,eg. using deep sea cooling instead o A/C, using air dry
method beore tumble dry in the laundry. (one to one
interview SGR)
Each resort is allowed to use 20% o the island or
inrastructure according to Maldivian regulations;
however SFR has opted to orgo a possible additional
40 villas to retain more o the islands natural
vegetation.Preserving the natural ecosystems has
been a priority or all the participants involved in
the RAP and SFR was designed with a buer zoneo trees between the shore-line and the rooms or
this purpose. In general terms both resorts maintain
dense vegetation around the resort, especially SFR.
The importance o trees or shade, beauty and the
ecosystem is clearly valued at both resorts. Notably,
both ocus groups mentioned the issue o cutting
down trees and deorestation more generally.
Perceptions of staff on the above
environmental problems:
Energyisusedexcessively,infactitiswasteful.
Maybe people could be ined or leaving
the air-conditioners on in rooms when not
occupied. Everyone should start minimising air-
conditioner usage.
Peopledonotactresponsiblyinreducing
energy consumption and would like cooler
rooms.
Excessiveenergyconsumptionpatternsare
practised by the sta and guests alike.
Solarpanelsshouldbeinstalledtoutilizesolar
power.
Perceptions of the staff on opportunities to
improve energy management:
Heatrecoverywillbeconductedandreusedin
the laundry and kitchen.
Heatrecoveryfromtheboilersandcirculatedto
sta rooms (SGR)
Feasibilityisunderwaytosetupadeepsea
cooling system to save energy.
Feasibilityisunderwaytoutilisesolarpowerto
some extent and biodiesel rom coconut oil.
Newtechnologieshavebeenusedtoreduce
energy consumption.
Largevillashavecentral(main)switchestosave
energy.
Tree-plantingprogramshavebeenconducted
at the resorts and neighbouring communities .
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Fruittreesaredonatedtothelocal
communities.
Productssuchasfruitsandvegetablesare
purchased rom nearby islands to assist the
communities to generate an income.
VegetationisverydenseinSonevaFushi.
Naturetripsareconducted.
Puttinglightingontimers
Usingplantationtimbers
Pest Control
A number o other issues were raised during the
assessments at both resorts. Notably pest control
was identied as an environmental issue at both
resorts. At SFR there is an ongoing issue with
Rhinocerous beetle which is impacting the growth
o the coconut trees. On SGR sta reported that rats,
beetles, snakes, centipedes and millipedes were an
issue, as well as garden pests. One o the ocus
groups noted that ood waste attracted the pests
and created a heath issue. Mosquito breeding was
also noted as a problem on both islands, or which
regular ogging with chemicals is done. However
pest control with chemicals was highlighted as an
environmental issue due to its potential to pollute
groundwater and seawater.
biodiveRsitY
In using environmental resources like shing,
sustainable practices should be considered. Soneva
already has a policy in place not to undertake night
shing activities and shing is also banned in the
house ree because this would damage coral and
sh populations living in the house ree. The resort
does not have a sea wall or breakwater walls and
there is little impact on the ree as there are nomajor structures constructed in the water. One o
the sta expressed the issue that turtle eggs have
been harvested despite being a banned practice
and punitive measures have been taken against the
responsible sta member.
AwAReness
The need to develop environmental awareness and
understanding among the sta, guests and island
communities alike was a recurrent topic in theone-to-one interviews. Notably both resorts have
pro-actively conducted regular training sessions
(e.g. green module) and ongoing campaigns to
promote awareness and good practices, within
the resorts and neighbouring communities. Most
o these interviewees have expressed that what is
most needed, but dicult to acilitate, is behaviour
change among the target groups.
Initiatives are dicult to sustain or to implement.
There are cultural barriers. Behaviour change takes
time, people get used to habits over years; it is dicult to
change. It will be good to also learn rom international
experiences like running out o sh stock.(one to one
interview SFR)
However, a long term sta member rom SGR
acknowledged that such behaviour change takes
time.
When I rst came here there was no interest, no one
was talking about it- 2 nights ago a colleague told
me that he is not throwing cigarettes on the boat to
Male. Also a guy rom housekeeping tells me things
too. Four years ago there was none o this. So I eel
positive. (one to one interview SGR)
Both resorts invite school students to their resorts
to promote environmental awareness. Each year a
nature trip is organised by the SFR in conjunctionwith a local NGO Ecocare. It is one o the most
popular events as it brings students rom Male in
touch with the environment.
wa aar ra
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EnvironmentalDiscourse CommentsSGR CommentsSFR
1. I see the environment
as nature
This is where I live. We can contributeas an individual and make it a globalissue.
Environment is everything around us. Wesee the nature as the environment. Wherethere is nature means there is environment.
2. I see the environment
as a resource
We get resources rom theenvironment. I we use them properlywe can survive and be healthy
I see the environment as a resource. It is tobe managed so that it can provide us with
ood, materials and medicines.
3. I see the environment
as a problem which
has to be solved
There is pollution everywhere. Inorder to minimize it we need to worktogether.
I see the environment as a problem,which has to be solved, we need to x uppollution, and over harvesting our sh and
orests.4. I see the environment
as a place to live
Trees, environment and gardens areneeded to be healthy.
I see the environment as a place to live,to know and learn about, to plan or andtake care o. The village and garden is myenvironment.
5. I see the environment
as the whole planet
Only home we have, everything isconnected- everything is o equalimportance- think globally actlocally.
I see the environment as the whole planet,where everything is connected and peopleare part o this system (water, air, plants,animals and people). We must all livetogether in the environment.
6. I see the environment
as a community
project.
We believe that it takes a communityeort. I 1 person is good and the rest
keep damaging then it wont work. Allo us have to do it together to bringit back again. All o us need to worktogether to rebuild it.
Everyone should work together to make animpact
RANKING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AT SONEVA FUSHI RESORT
32%
36%
6%
2%
1%
2%
16% 5% Lack of awareness/poor habits
Waste management
Beach erosion
Financial constraints to implement major projects
Import of products
Fishing excessively, without any limits
No sewerage treatment system in place
Use of chemical sprays to control pests
RANKING OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AT SONEVA GILI RESORT
22%
25%
7%3%
14%
6%
5%
3%
2%13% Waste management
Beach erosion
Lack of awareness/carelessness
Control pests
Energy consumption/global warmingWater usage
Cutting down trees/deforestation
Overpopulation
Noise pollution
Water pollution/anchoring/sea grass
ta 5: era dr
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ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSE AT SONEVA FUSHI RESORT
21%
30%
8%
5%
18%
18%
Environment as nature
Environment as a resource
Environment as a problem
Environment as a place to live
Environment as a whole planet
Environment as a community project
ENVIRONMENTAL DISCOURSE AT SONEVA GILI RESORT
7%
4%
19%
7%
52%
11%
Environment as nature
Environment as a resource
Environment as a problem
Environment as a place to live
Environment as a whole planet
Environment as a community project
WHO IS THE MOST ACTIVE ON ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES AT SONEVA GILI?
31%
38%
8%
19%
4%
HR department
Guests Relations Manager
Other individuals
Environment club/Sea Club/ committee
All departments
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cApAcitY of the ResoRts to deAl withenviRonmentAl issues
At SGR and SFR environmental issues are dealt with
in a number o ways:
Policiescomefromtheresortowners/Huboffice
(eg. no night ishing or jet skis, target o zero
carbon emissions);
Withinfrastructure(e.g.incinerator,sewage
treatment plant, heat recovery system);
Througheco-design(e.g.buildingdesign,guest
room design);
Training(e.g.greenmoduleaspartof
induction);
Jobdescriptionsandperformanceappraisal
(environment sections included in Job
Description and assessed);
Signboardsaroundtheresortsandstaffrooms
(e.g. energy saving or cigarette disposal)
Environmentalcommittee/EnvironmentClub
(e.g. organizing events and campaigns);
It appears that at the resort, environmental issues
all under the purview o the Human Resource
department; however, environmental issues are
monitored and tracked at regular management
meetings. In terms o who is most active in the
environmental eld, the guests relation manager
and the HR department are perceived to be the
most active at SGR. At SFR the HR department wasrecognized as being active on these issues, although
all departments are perceived to be contributing.
At SGR a number o people during the one to one
interviews acknowledged that a ull time person was
needed to be responsible or environmental issues. It
is understood that in recognition o the importance
o environmental and social issues, SGR will appoint
a ull time person who will oversee these areas. At
SFR the marine biologist and permaculturist both
take a lead role in environmental issues, although
neither appears to be responsible or environmentalissues ull time.
sar ra ra
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DifcultiesHowever during the one to one interviews a
number o diculties emerged in how to address
environmental issues at the resorts. These included:
Logisticaldifficulties(sourcing,procuringand
importing products to the Maldives)
Mixedworkforce(needtotranslateandtailor
training materials or a number o languages)
Resortisaffectedbypracticesofneighboring
islands and saari boats
Noformalenvironmentalmanagementsystem
in place to guide and provide direction
Nosysteminplacetomonitorandenforce
rules/procedures (e.g. smoking or segregating
waste)
Lackofsomeinfrastructure(e.g.glasscrusher)
Lackofexpertiseattheresort
Practicesinotherplaces(e.g.MaleorThilaushi) can undermine awareness eorts on
the resorts (e.g. buying plastic bottles or bags)
OpportunitiesDuring the one to one interviews many participants were positive that there were opportunities to solve
environmental problems. A number o these opportunities are listed below:
Opportunities SGR Opportunities- SFR
Human resources with practical training and skills Improve waste management in Soneva and on theislands. E.g. encourage composting
Install environmental riendly technology (e.g. glass/can crusher and wood chipper) and proper OH&Sequipment to operate
Establish better links with communities and share bestpractices with communities
Awareness materials or resort and nearby islands andschools
Increase agricultural arming and provide incentives tocommunities
System o supervision eg. segregation o waste Install environmentally riendly technology
Employ person responsible or environmental issues ulltime
Encourage guests to use local products, plant useultrees (ruit) Encourage and revive poultry arming
Train Soneva sta to disseminate inormation and raise
awareness o management team
Find a way to manage electronic waste nationally
Funds allocated or eco-riendly projects
Use re-chargeable batteries
Find environmentally riendly alternatives to chemicalsprays
Introduce natural predators
Enorce laws or punishment on those who causedamage (e.g. kill turtle)
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keY findings
Key Finding 1:
Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili resorts are both pro-actively addressing environmental issues and assisting
island communities.
SonevaFushiconductsawardwinningnaturetripsannually.
Theresortsassistcommunitiestoaddressenvironmentalissuesthroughtheirsocialresponsibility
unds.
Specialdaysaremarkedwithinvolvementofschoolchildrenfromtherespectivecommunities.
Key Finding 2:
Resort sta are most concerned about:
wastemanagement,
beacherosion, waterandenergymanagement,
awarenessandpracticesofstaff;and
pestcontrol.
NB: The importance o these issues varied between the resorts.
Key Finding 3:
Resort sta perceive that their habits should be changed to be more environmentally riendly:
Attitudestowardtheenvironmentareverypositiveamongindividualsandgroupsthatwere
interviewed. Constraintsexisttochangingbehaviourorimplementingnewsystems.
Key Finding 4:
Sta showed positive interest in alternatives or energy and waste management:
Therewasstronginterestinacquiringtheskillsandknowledgeneededtoexperimentwithalternative
energy sources.
Key Finding 5:
Training was identiied as needing to be more consistent or all levels:
Thetrainingdepartmentlacksthetechnicalknowledgeofalternativestodealwithenvironmental
issues.
Indigenousknowledgeexistswithinthestaffatbothresortsbutneedstobefosteredandusedto
address environmental issues.
Key Finding 6:
Sta considered it important to try to deal with environmental issues themselves, and try to integrate the
issues into their own training programs:
Thereisgoodawarenessandinterestbutanewapproachormodalitymaybeneededtochange
existing behaviours.
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conteXtuAl findings
As a small island developing state the Maldives has a history o challenging
environmental management issues and many o these have gained
increased attention in the ater-math o the tsunami. Major environmental
management issues ace both resorts and inhabited islands alike, include:
climate change and sea level rise, scarcity and pollution o reshwater
resources, waste management, and biodiversity conservation.
The RAP highlights signicant initiatives that both resorts are actively
taking in promotion o environmental management or the resort and with
nearby communities. These eorts are to be applauded, and set a valuablemodel or other resorts in the Maldives. Although progress has been made,
ndings rom the RAP highlight many areas o environmental management
that require continued and sustained eort, especially in terms o waste,
water, energy and beach erosion. Whilst the resort has taken the initiative
and employed consultants and key sta with environmental backgrounds,
it will be essential to mobilise the entire workorce to eectively address
environmental management on the islands.
The RAP has also shown that whilst the sta in the resort have a basic
understanding o the issues, they perceive that they lack the power and
technical knowledge to promote behaviour change. The ocus group andthe one-on-one interviews highlighted that education is perceived as a key
tool or improved environmental management at the resort. Although some
issues have already been highlighted in training sessions conducted by the
training department, the sta elt very strongly that the current approach
used in conveying environmental messages is not adequate to change
behaviour. The sta strongly expressed that more practical activities should
be incorporated into the pedagogy o the training sessions i the people
involved are to take action on the critical environmental issues aced by the
resort.
From past experience however it is clear that environmental education aloneis unlikely to instill all the values needed to sustain the environment i that
was the case, we would already be much urther down the road towards
consideRAtions, RecommendAtionsAnd conclusions
Innovative approachesthat respect traditional,cultural and religiousknowledge make iteasier or participantsto cope with perceivedrisks related tobehaviour change.
4
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sustainable development. However it is generally
recognized that environmental education is a central
pillar o a broader environmental management
strategy. For both resorts it will be critical to build
upon past initiatives and lessons learnt, as well as
utilising the key ndings o the RAP to develop a
strategic approach to environmental management.Such an approach would be centered around an
environmental management system consisting o
policies, inrastructure (hardware) and education
and awareness programs with sta and guests
(sotware) to bring about improved environmental
management. Organisations such as Live & Learn
can support both resorts in the latter aspect, in the
development o an environmental education and
awareness program. The ollowing sections are
oered as considerations or the development o
appropriate tools or such a program.
Underlying Principles or InnovativeEnvironmental Education Tools andMethodologiesOne o the most basic principles or change is
motivation. This RAP has shown that the sta have
a good environmental awareness and an interest in
positive change. This needs to be developed and
nurtured to motivate individual and organisational
change. Innovative approaches and the right tools
and methodologies can help this to happen. To nd
the right tools it is essential to develop, test and
rene the tools. The development o the tools may
need to be tailored to the dierent departments at
the resorts and tested accordingly. Finding the right
tools will take time, patience and fexibility as shown
in the diagram below:
Innovative approaches that respect traditional,
cultural and religious knowledge make it easier or
participants to cope with perceived risks related to
behaviour change. Opportunities exist or utilising
traditional dance and theatre. It is important that
such approaches be seen in addition to eective
ace-to-ace education approaches. Having resh
and innovative tools is not enough to ensure that
participants will become involved in activities. It is
necessary to identiy the drivers behind the success
so that people engage in activities that target the
participants concerns in a meaningul way.The ocus o past environmental education
approaches in the Maldives has been awareness
and knowledge based. Placing greater emphasis on
action oriented environmental education is critical
to success. Awareness alone does not change
behaviour. The promotion o best practices and
learning by doing will provide innovative tools or
behaviour change, which is the ultimate goal.
Traditional teaching styles need to be adapted
in the training sessions to include action basedactivities where the hosts critically refect on their
responsibility towards environmental issues in their
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own environment. Developing workable solutions
to environmental problems will require choices
and decisions based on a critical examination o
inormation and opinions. The case studies andexamples used in the training sessions should be
relevant to the learners, by beginning rom their
experience. Positive examples o environmental
management need to be highlighted and
promoted. In many cases the resort is utilising
environmental management approaches that may
benet the neighbouring communities. As the resort
continues to increase environmental management
practices these lessons need to be shared with the
communities and other resorts.
Research undertaken in the Maldives
indicates that:
Thereneedstobeashiftinallthetraining
orums, towards a more inclusive approach
in which people can be involved in collecting
and analysing inormation, problem solving,
cooperative learning settings, simulations,
debates, and critical reporting sessions. This will
empower the participants to make their own
decisions.
Providingexperiencesinreal-lifesituations
or situations that simulate real-lie situations
increases the probability that skills will be
used. Providing modelling o the skills, ample
opportunities or practice, and eedback on the
eectiveness o the participants thinking arealso important considerations.
The ability to think critically is also essential to
environmentaleducationinitiatives.Criticalthinking
requires people to ask questions that challenge their
thinking. Some examples are: Who makes decisions
aecting the environment? Why are they made?
Who benets rom these decisions? Are the long-
term consequences considered? Which decisions
promote sustainable development?
Critical thinking is asking questions, challenging
prior knowledge and learning, and challenging
assumptionsofourbeliefsandknowledge.Critical
thinking is about not taking anything at ace value;
it is about uncovering assumptions and nding
underlying meanings.
In order or Environmental Education to reach its
ull potential the sta need to refect on his or her
own values and attitudes towards the environment.
This challenges people to examine how their values
infuence the opinions that they orm and to ask
themselves where they stand on an issue and how
they have ormed their view.
pa a ar r a rr
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Considerations or InnovativeEnvironmental Education Tools1. Encourage participation o the sta, guests and
communities in monitoring and promoting
environmental management and positive
behaviour.
2. Encourage people to critically think about the
uture and encourage the development o
practical solutions to everyday problems.
3. Develop culturally appropriate approaches to
environmental education. Link appropriate
knowledge to practical actions or positive
change.
4. Lead by example: address environmental needs
and concerns identiied by the sta. Share the
lessons learned so as to encourage others to act
on environmental issues.
5. Initiate key activities related to sta perceptions
to be implemented within budget in a short
period. Start the momentum toward positive
changes.
6. Link with and expand on existing (Government
& Non-government) environmental programs
& initiatives. Do not replicate projects/trainings
that already exist: assess, adapt and act. Learnrom existing models to adapt and replicate
across other resorts and Island communities
7. Highlight the positives environmental
management (carbon neutral) and appropriate
technology (deep water heat exchange)
case studies to promote positive actions and
encourage other resorts and/or communities to
become more sustainable.
8. Actively involve the training departments and/or other existing community organisations in
the respective communities. There are pathways
or the training department and the community
to sustainably implement the projects in the
uture.
9. Try to ind and then promote the positives
in otherwise negative situations the need
to import materials could beneit rom
environmental and/or air trade procurement
policies.
RecommendAtionsEective environmental management requires us
to refect and build on existing and past initiatives.
The RAP provides a broad benchmark rom, which
to develop a strategic approach to environmental
management. Such an approach would be centered
around an environmental management system,
consisting o policies, inrastructure (hardware)
and education and awareness programs with staand guests (sotware) to bring about improved
environmental management. The approach itsel is
just another document i it is not acted on. As such
the real strategy is in gaining the participation o the
resort sta and communities.
With specic regard to the environmental education
and awareness program, and how to gain increased
action, the ollowing recommendations are oered:
Developanenvironmentalawarenessand
mobilization program or 2-3 years to guide
the overall implementation o activities and
initiatives;
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Focustheprogramonrelevantlocalneeds
and builds upon existing skills, knowledge and
motivations to change behavior;
Cultivatein-houseexpertiseinparticipative
acilitation techniques, especially in the training
department to raise awareness and develop
necessary skills to catalyze behavior change;
Promoteindividualandparticipants
responsibilities to act in an eco riendly manner
and participate actively in environmental
initiatives;
Ensurethattherearealwaysoneortwoclear
messages: eorts that are spread too thinly or
vaguely over a range o issues may ail. This is
especially o concern or short-term initiatives;
Startingwiththelearner:,focusonissuesof
most interest and that have do-able activities,as this will serve to increase motivation and
empower people to consider acting on more
diicult tasks;
Inthedevelopmentofappropriatetools,critical
thinking needs to become a key ingredient in all
Environmental Education activities;
Combineeducationwithaction-basedlearning,
investigating local issues (such as waste
management) in order to capitalize on local
participants willingness and skills to enable
environmental change;
EnvironmentalEducationtoolsandactivities
need to connect to everyday activities that are
primarily ocused on real lie situations.
Leadbyexamplethroughthedevelopmentof
best practice environmental activities among
the respective participants.
Participationinenvironmentalactivitiesshould
not be rushed. It is critical that people have astrong sense o ownership o the activities, and
then the participation process will lead to real
results that are sustainable.
sa a r r ra
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This RAP approach is an eort to better understand the local context
and particularly the perceptions o the local audience on environmental
issues, in this case at SFR and SGR. It is hoped that the inormation in this
report can provide both resorts with an opportunity and guidance as to
how to consolidate and strengthen its current environmental initiatives.
However our environment is an interlinked system. The RAPs show how
environmental management practices on the resorts and communities
impact each other. Resorts are aected by environmental management
practices on nearby inhabited islands and vice versa. Thereore improving
environmental management on the resorts will only address some o the
challenges.
Advancing sustainable development is a long-term commitment and can
only be achieved through meaningul partnership and mutual learning.
Live & Learn reer to this as the Sustainable Islands Approach (SIA). The
sustainable island approach provides a people-centered sustainable
development approach to water, waste, disaster/climate change and
biodiversity protection where (i) the community identies a need and seeks
improvement, (ii) includes critical and holistic thinking leading to well-
inormed decisions (iii) promotes ownership through clear denition o
rights and responsibilities and (iv) there is strong emphasis on sustainability.
Only by taking an integrated and holistic approach with nearby islandcommunities can meaningul strategies and solu
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