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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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: [email protected]

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

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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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21

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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22


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23

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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24

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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25

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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26

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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27

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

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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.


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.


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.


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.


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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