The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, a luxurious resort renowned for its sustainable infrastructure, has further expanded its environmental programming in partnership with Jean-Michel Cousteau, a world-renowned oceanographic explorer and environmentalist. The resort’s exclusive Ambassadors of the Environment program, spearheaded by Cousteau, provides unique experiences with the preservation of our planet at its core. The program enables guests to explore the ocean depths and join newly formed research teams in their work to monitor the ocean habitat with drone technology.

The resort has announced that it will introduce new activities to its Ambassadors of the Environment program, starting with its youngest guests. The program is designed for both adults and children and has grown a progressive research community since its launch in 2021. The program’s collaborations are spearheading ground-breaking environmental studies, from the monitoring of ocean plastics with innovative conservation technology to the protection of threatened species, including sea turtles. The program’s knowledge-share aims to influence guests and communities to live more sustainably, with the belief that the world’s biggest investment in sustainability is in the planet’s youngest inhabitants.

The new additions for the resort’s junior guests in 2023 include a range of educational activities that are both fun and interactive. An Expedition of Microplastic provides an in-depth look into everything involved in plastics and how it affects our planet. The little conservationists’ activity includes a wide variety of science experiments and games to investigate the incredible properties of water. Aquatic Micro World activity allows junior guests to discover the micro world of organisms living in the ocean, using special nets to collect plankton at the water’s edge, and exploring these stunning little creatures up close and personal.

During Cousteau’s latest visit to the resort, he was able to share with guests and the resort community the findings from three newly discovered dive sites. Activities included locating a discarded fishing net and assisting with its removal, to the discovery of a gestation site for a congregation of nurse sharks. In addition to a series of inspired talks, Q&As, and hosted dives for the guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Cousteau and the resort team spent time with children and students at the Dhiffushi School on a neighboring island. Through sharing his story, latest work, and research, Cousteau aims to excite the regions’ future generations to champion the preservation of our natural world.

Cousteau shared his thoughts on the collaboration, stating that “Introducing the Ambassadors of the Environment program to The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands was a dream come true. I’m honored and proud that guests of all ages are able to participate in cutting-edge programming curated by our naturalists. We aim to inspire and motivate people to appreciate the importance of protecting the nature that keeps our planet habitable, for us and all other species. Our message is always the same – protect our natural resources.”

He continued, “The health and richness of the coral reefs and the sustainable infrastructure of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands make this one of the most exciting and impactful programs we have ever created.” The resort’s continued commitment to environmental education and sustainability is a testament to its dedication to preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives and ensuring that future generations can enjoy it.