Skal World Congress names Six Senses Laamu as the Marine and Coastal category winner at the 17th Skal International Sustainable Tourism Awards held as part of the 79th Skal World Congress in Kenya.
Three independent sustainability experts judged 62 entrees from 31 countries, placing Six Senses Laamu top in its category. The award recognises the commitment of the resort to protect the marine environment, spearheaded by the efforts of a nine-member marine team, the Maldives Underwater Initiative.
The team has been regularly monitoring the health of reefs since 2012. Their conservation and research efforts have since expanded across numerous disciplines, including coral restoration, sea grass, turtles, dolphins and manta rays.
General Manager Marteyne van Well said being the only resort in the whole of Laamu Atoll, Six Senses Laamu have a responsibility to the surrounding environment and communities, adding the resort prides itself on its marine conservation efforts and the award recognises the tireless work of the team. Marteyne emphasised the importance of the team's community outreach and education initiatives, highlighting inspiring the next generation of Maldivians to be stewards of the oceans will be a critical step in protecting the marine life.
Since the pledge over one year ago to protect an area of 538,195 square feet of sea grass, the resort has been reaping the benefits, including additional protection to their beaches and their guests enjoying snorkelling with grazing green sea turtles.
Encouraged by the results of the pledge, the team is working on launching a nationwide campaign to encourage other resorts to join them in protecting the vital, yet highly undervalued ecosystem.