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Environment

Learn how to give back

Age-old palm trees arch overhead. Thick green foliage provides cool reprieve from the Maldivian sun. Beyond, the lagoon harbours a thriving coral reef. Baros is, and always has been, an enchanting natural wonderland. We invite all our guests to learn more about our precious environment, and help us preserve it for generations to come.

Just a few decades ago, this was an uninhabited wilderness of coconut palms and tropical undergrowth, surrounded by an untouched beach and a pristine coral reef. For more than four decades, we have carefully nurtured the natural eco-systems of the island, the lagoon and the majestic underwater world beyond.

ON THE ISLAND
Environmental protection is a top priority at baros, even behind the scenes.
  • Water is recycled so it can be used, after purification, for irrigation of the garden.
  • LED lighting systems with a longer lifespan and lower electricity consumption are standard.
  • All air conditioning units are CFC-free.
  • Guest villas are fitted with a heat exchange system that heats water used for bathing.
  • Staff accommodation and back-of-house areas are supplied with hot water from the heat exchange system fitted to the island’s generators.
  • All chemicals used for the cleaning of kitchens, restaurants, public areas, staff accommodation, guest villas, boats and in the laundry are biodegradable.
  • We organise awareness programmes with tours to neighbouring villages and uninhabited islands, and diving and snorkelling activities to promote understanding of ecological issues.
IN THE SEA

The fragile coral reefs of the Maldives are some of the most spectacular in the world, drawing thousands of visitors each year for snorkelling and diving. Yet they are much more than just a tourist attraction, they are the foundation of the Maldives, both literally and by sustaining the industries on which Maldivians depend.

The health of our reefs is vital to the future of the Maldives. We hope you’ll join us in protecting them in any way you can

  • Guests are urged to respect the reef and to refrain from breaking off, or even touching, any pieces of coral.
  • It is illegal in the Maldives to collect any coral, shells, or other souvenirs from the ocean.
  • Buying any souvenirs made of turtle shell is illegal in the Maldives, and such souvenirs will be confiscated at the airport and result in a fine.
  • There is now a ban on shark fishing and exporting shark products because shark numbers have dwindled in recent years.