On 27th October 2024, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, in collaboration with twelve-time world record freediver Christian Redl, held an inspiring island cleanup and plastic pollution awareness session in Maalhos Island, Baa Atoll, as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability and community engagement. In one of the Maldives’ most biodiverse regions, the event, which was organized by Marriott Bonvoy Moments, brought together more than 70 local kids and youth to address the urgent problem of marine pollution.
The discussion was led by Christian Redl, founder of the nonprofit organization 7Oceans, who shared his extensive knowledge of worldwide ocean issues including plastic trash pollution, ghost nets, and coral bleaching. His visit significantly raised awareness of the environmental problems at Baa Atoll, the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives, which is home to rare pink hydrozoan corals and the surrounding Hanifaru Bay, which hosts manta ray and whale shark gatherings throughout the year.
The local population, including Maalhos children and young adults, enthusiastically participated in the event, which was organized in conjunction with USAID’s Ocean Plastics Reduction Activity. They learned how to recognize, classify, and measure marine debris while participating in an instructional beach cleaning. Through actual experience, participants deepened their understanding of the effects of plastic pollution on marine ecology and acquired useful skills in data collecting.
Redl conducted an interactive plastic awareness lesson with the young people after the beach cleanup. After classifying waste materials such as plastic wrappers, food packaging, and beverage containers, participants presented their findings. The necessity for sustainable habits in the local community was emphasized by these lectures, which promoted conversations about how individual acts help preserve the ocean. As part of its partnership with Christian Redl and Maalhos Island, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort is promoting the value of sustainability in all facets of the visitor experience and championing ocean conservation.
