Tuesday, September 10, 2024 Nestled in the Raa Atoll of the Maldives, Heritance Aarah stands out as a beacon of sustainability within the archipelago. This resort deeply engages in preserving the local culture and environment through its unique Maldivian Village experience, offering guests a deep dive into the area’s heritage while emphasizing eco-friendly practices. Key to its operations is the abolition of single-use plastics and the adoption of sophisticated energy management strategies to maintain an equilibrium between luxury and conservation.
The resort’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, earning it a prestigious certification from Green Globe. Heritance Aarah received an impressive initial compliance score of 87% based on 33 global standards for sustainable tourism, marking a significant recognition of its sustainable practices. Visitors to Heritance Aarah are treated to authentic cultural encounters at its Maldivian village museum, where they can participate in traditional activities and learn about the historical events that shaped the local way of life.
This enriches the visitor experience with both educational and aesthetic dimensions. General Manager Upul Gedarakumbura said, “We understand the importance of protecting our fragile ecosystem. We have taken steps to reduce our carbon footprint by utilizing renewable energy sources and implementing energy-efficient practices throughout our operations.
We have also eliminated single-use plastics to the best of our ability and have promoted sustainable tourism practices.” “Our efforts have not only had positive impacts on the environment but also on our guests and the community at large. We have seen an increase in demand from travellers who prioritize sustainability and appreciate our commitment to reducing our environmental impact,” added GM Gedarakumbura Since opening in 2019, Heritance Aarah has actively engaged in numerous sustainable tourism initiatives.
The resort has conducted educational programs that have reached over 2,500 individuals, including employees, guests, and members of the local community, highlighting its commitment to environmental education and involvement. One of the resort’s flagship initiatives is the “Save the Lungs, Save the Ocean” coral planting campaign. This involves both staff and guests in the propagation of soft and finger corals within coral regeneration frames, rewarding participants with #TheTrueTraveller certificates for their contribution to marine conservation.
In its quest to minimize fossil fuel dependence, Heritance Aarah has installed 1125 solar panels, covering 1920 square meters, which significantly contribute to the resort’s power supply. The resort also employs rainwater harvesting techniques that support the irrigation of its bountiful vegetable garden, Aarah Tharukaaree Dhandu, which grows a variety of produce including long beans, papayas, radishes, and herbs. Additionally, a wet-garbage digester processes food and kitchen waste, turning it into compost for use in the garden, further closing the loop on sustainability at the resort.
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