The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands is proud to  announce its achievement of the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge, awarded to properties  that uphold over 100 stringent standards designed to protect the environment and support the well-being  of employees, guests, and local communities. This recognition reflects the resort's unwavering  commitment to sustainable practices and responsible hospitality. 

In a stellar year for recognition, the resort has also achieved the Green Globe Certification, a prestigious  accolade that underscores its dedication to minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable  tourism, and creating a sustainable environment for future generations. Achieving the Green Globe  Certification involves a rigorous process that requires adherence to strict criteria across energy efficiency,  water conservation, waste management, and social and cultural sustainability. The Ritz-Carlton Maldives,  Fari Islands has successfully demonstrated its commitment to quality and excellence through a recent  evaluation across a comprehensive set of compliance indicators. 

Renato de Oliveira, General Manager at The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, stated, “We are  incredibly proud to receive both the Forbes VERIFIED Responsible Hospitality badge and the Green  Globe Certification, reflecting our tireless commitment to sustainable hospitality and dedication to the  protection of our natural world. This recognition is a testament to the efforts of our entire team, our  Ladies and Gentlemen, in creating exceptional guest experiences with respect for the environment at our  core. And of course we will continue to innovate to ensure our environmental footprint is light and fruitful  for the planet and our community.” 

A FOUNDATION OF RESPECT 

The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was meticulously designed with respect for the area's fragile  ecosystem. Prior to construction on an existing sandbank, marine experts conducted extensive studies to 

ensure minimal impact on coral reefs and marine spawning. Sustainable construction materials, such as  PEFC-certified timber from responsibly managed forests in Europe, were used, allowing the resort to earn  PEFC Project Certification. The developers also achieved EDGE certification, leading to the Maldives'  first green loan. 

NATURAL BEAUTY 

Land: The resort landscape features thousands of adopted trees and carefully selected native plants to  prevent forest degradation and the negative impacts of importation. Among these is a 100-foot-tall  Banyan tree in the Mystique Garden, dedicated to the resort’s late architect Kerry Hill. Acres of white  sand stretch toward the blue lagoon, serving as a sanctuary for crabs, birds, and sea turtles. 

Sea: Encompassing 99% ocean, the Maldives is a vibrant underwater world. The resort island is encircled  by a lively coral reef that shelters lobsters, fish, rays, and sea turtles. Preserving the reef and marine life  remains a priority, with over 105 coral frames planted since the project's inception and 28 frames planted in 2024 alone. The resort's coral regeneration initiative has created abundant nursery frames and  new habitats for ocean life. 

SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES 

Energy: The resort harnesses solar and sustainable energy, contributing approximately 20% of its total  electricity needs. In 2024, rooftop solar panel systems were installed on all guest villas, and the  installation of a floating solar garden began, which is expected to add 1,400 kWp to the grid by 2025.  Each villa is equipped with a smart energy-saving management system, while hot water pumps utilize  ambient thermal energy. 

Culinary Consciousness: The resort’s seven dining venues prioritize locally sourced ingredients,  offering an extensive selection of plant-based options and 100% cage- and crate-free eggs and meat. Daily  food waste, approximately 726 kg, is composted for the resort gardens. Additionally, our culinary and bar  teams embrace a zero-waste approach, creating chutneys and coffee scrubs, along with various other  initiatives to minimize waste. 

Water: Still and sparkling water is purified at the resort’s dedicated plant using filters from Nordaq,  eliminating the need for plastic bottles. Greywater is treated and reused for landscaping. 

Plastic Use: The resort has committed to banning single-use plastics, implementing reusable water  bottles, bamboo-based serving ware, and crystal amenity jars. Its garden and desalination plant also  contribute to reducing plastic imports. 

PARTNERSHIPS AND PROGRAMS 

∙ Drone Research: The resort has implemented an advanced ocean plastics monitoring  program using drones, developed in partnership with Dr. Melissa Schiele. In 2024, the  program has completed 50 drone flights, identifying critical plastic debris, including  eleven ghost nets weighing approximately 418 kg. These ghost nets pose a significant  threat to marine life, as they can ensnare and kill creatures. By removing them, we help  prevent these tragic incidents and protect the ocean ecosystem. 

∙ Jean-Michel Cousteau Ambassadors of the Environment Program: This program continues  to provide guest experiences focused on environmental preservation in collaboration with the  renowned oceanographic explorer. This year, he visited the resort again to further educate  students from Villa College and the Maldives National University, as well as the resort’s  Naturalists. His ongoing presence inspires both guests and Ladies and Gentlemen alike,  reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship. 

∙ Saad Amer as Sustainability Champion: This year, Saad Amer, recognized as a Climate  Activist and a member of Forbes' 30 Under 30 for social impact, visited The Ritz-Carlton 

Maldives to curate meaningful guest experiences. His session, titled "A Thought Experiment:  How to Save Our Planet," engaged both guests and the local community, where he shared  valuable insights on the impacts of climate change. During his visit, he connected with students  from Maldives National University and Villa College to discuss future initiatives. Additionally,  he led an interactive activity with our younger guests, inspiring them to become "Climate Kids"  and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship from an early age. 

∙ Community Footprints: The resort engages with local schools through educational excursions,  promoting ocean conservation awareness. In 2024, eight educational excursions took place,  including visits to Dhiffushi, Thulusdhoo, Gaafaru and Huraa. A notable initiative this year was a  recycling competition held with students from Dhiffushi, where the winning teams were awarded  a visit to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands for a special lunch with our Naturalist. During  this experience, they learned about coral restoration efforts.  

∙ The Ritz-Carlton Spa: Showcasing a commitment to sustainable living, The Ritz-Carlton Spa  features an organic body and skincare collection by Bamford. In 2024, our dedicated Ladies and  Gentlemen at the spa have innovatively transformed coffee grounds into sustainable body scrubs  for in-house guests, highlighting our ongoing dedication to environmentally friendly practices and  wellness initiatives. 

As part of our ongoing commitment to sustainability, The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will soon  launch a Coral Adoption Project, enabling guests to contribute to initiatives aligned with our Community  Footprints philosophy. Additionally, the resort is excited to introduce a new package featuring Saad  Amer, the Sustainability Champion of the resort. This package will include educational and inspiring  activities designed to deepen guests' understanding of the local climate and promote support for the  surrounding community, ensuring that their holiday experience is both enriching and impactful. 

For more information, visit ritzcarlton.com/Maldives, and for real-time updates, follow the resort  on Instagram and Facebook.