(TRAVPR.COM) MALDIVES - February 20th, 2013 - 19th January 2011 was a special day at Kuramathi, when the island was bestowed with the TUI International Environment Award for the Kuramathi Eco Centre; and a new building for the centre was inaugurated on that very day as well. It was also the day our striving efforts bore fruition when the Eco Centre achieved the award after being recognised for its unparalleled contributions to nature conservation and for protecting and conserving natural resources in Kuramathi. The Eco Centre isn’t just your average information centre, for it is also a key landmark of the island.

The Eco Centre at Kuramathi, (the Bio Station as it was known before) was established in 1999, inspired after the El Nińo bleaching on the corals, and is led by a small team of professionals including our Resident Marine Biologist and Horticulturist. It has since then progressed, providing multifarious services and facilities to our guests from awe-inspiring microscopic presentations to guided snorkelling safaris with our Resident Marine Biologist. A prized possession exhibited at the Eco Centre is our 11 metre long Sperm Whale complete with all the facts you can find about this marine giant.

That is not all, interesting material on the flora and fauna both overwater and underwater is also splayed, letting you mingle with nature and prompting you to learn some new and interesting about nature whilst on holiday. Marking important occasions such as Earth Hour, Environment Day, Ocean Day etc are also under Eco Centre’s annual calendar.

The Eco Centre collaborates with the Environmental Committee of Kuramathi, which advocates ideas that are primarily devoted to eco-friendly methods and safe environmental practices. The concepts generated in this group are later implemented into the resort operations. To name a few concepts that have been put into practice; regular training of team members on environmental awareness, island cleanups, reef cleanups, motivating team members to save energy and water, and celebrating environment related events and occasions throughout the year.

Our CSR objectives are led by the Eco Centre in conjunction with the management of Kuramathi to promote and sustain environment friendly initiatives. Time to time, campaigns are successfully carried out in collaboration with Rasdhoo School, and of the many proposals introduced; a major achievement was making Rasdhoo School a ‘plastic bag free’ school. The Eco Centre also offers monthly marine life presentations conducted by the resident Marine Biologist to the students of Rasdhoo School.

The Eco Centre helps acquaint guests who are new to the art of snorkelling by providing information sessions with our Resident Marine Biologist, while multilingual flyers, sign boards and tide charts are also available to ease them into proper snorkelling etiquette. The Eco Centre also acts as a hub which educates our guests about the fragility of our surroundings, and informing how eco-friendly tactics contribute to the preservation of the island’s natural flora and fauna. This helps our guests understand our commitment to Kuramathi’s pristine surroundings while calling out to cooperate to preserve the island’s natural state.

Note to Editors: 

Kuramathi Island Resort Maldives is one of the first resorts to open in the Maldives and is part of Universal Resorts of Universal Enterprises Private Ltd, a 100% Maldivian owned company, and the pioneers of tourism in the Maldives.

An emerald jewel in the turquoise Maldivian waters, Kuramathi is a stunning island retreat with acres of luxuriant vegetation surrounded by spectacular beaches tapering into an endless sandbank. Villas blend contemporary design and nature, and are set on the beach, amongst lush gardens or over water. Four poster beds, open-air bathrooms, rainfall showers or Jacuzzi, large outdoor decks with inviting daybeds or sun loungers, are just some of the creature-comforts enjoyed by our guests. Dining options are diverse with many restaurants, bars and great-value all inclusive packages, topped off with Maldivian service – welcoming, genuine and friendly.

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