Green Globe congratulated Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa on being awarded Gold status for its continuous efforts towards environmental and sustainable practices.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa is situated on one of the 1,200 islands that constitute the beautiful country of the Maldives. Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa was the first resort in the Maldives to receive the Green Globe certification for Building, Planning and Design Standard in 2005. The design of the hotel preserves and reinforces the existing native foliage of the island, promotes rainwater harvesting and minimizes the disruption of the corals.
Great importance is placed on environmental and socially sustainable initiatives in this pristine, remote area and the resort is dedicated to protecting the coral reefs, marine and plant life. Jimena Ramon Montemayor, Marine Biologist at the resort, conducts the reef monitoring program Reef Watch on a monthly basis as well as records water temperatures to keep track of the reef’s health and recovery. As a part of an outreach program, Go Deeper talks are given twice a week where guests can learn more about different topics related to the marine environment and also the culture of the Maldives.
Water is a precious resource in the Maldives and the resort has a water treatment plant where wastewater, including grey water, is treated effectively and reused. This reduces aquatic pollution, protects aquatic ecosystems and reduces risks to human health. Reusing wastewater increases the availability of potable water as well as reduces sewage and treatment costs. Both black and grey wastewater is managed in a non-polluting way by using biological bacteria reactors to clean the water. In addition, both STP and HAVC water is tested by an accredited scientific laboratory to confirm that it is free from Legionella and Coliforms.
The property has a comprehensive Sustainability Management Plan. A program to reduce the production of waste is followed whereby all plastic bottles are replaced with glass bottles, plastic straws replaced with paper ones and plastic takeaway boxes replaced with bento boxes. The coffee capsules used at the property are 100% biodegradable and meets Fair Trade standards. A strict waste management plan is also in place to minimize waste that is not reused or recycled, by specifying, recording and monitoring reduction goals on a monthly basis. Furthermore, there is a waste separation plant where all solid waste is carefully sorted into material categories such as metal, aluminium and paper.
Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa has its own Hyatt Thrive team which organizes CSR activities and environmental events. This active team works with local communities providing educational activities and raising awareness. Local school children are invited to the resort for educational talks on topics including care of the reef and swimming lessons are also given. Recreational activities such as football matches, snorkeling and educational activities are also organized in nearby communities.
The resort supports the local islands and local residents wherever possible. Local reef fish, lobster, and yellow fin tuna are used in a large variety of dishes enjoyed by guests along with locally grown papaya, watermelon, banana and coconuts. Kitchens prefer fish supplied by local fishermen who use traditional pole and line fishing which is the most sustainable method.
Green Globe is the worldwide sustainability system based on internationally accepted criteria for sustainable operation and management of travel and tourism businesses. Operating under a worldwide license, Green Globe is based in California, USA and is represented in over 83 countries. Green Globe is an Affiliate Member of the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). For information, please visit greenglobe.com
