Maldives to be promoted as a destination for eco tourism

	“tourism which protects natural resources is fast developing in many countries”

Work is underway to promote Maldives as a special destination for eco tourism lovers, Tourism Minister Dr. Ali Sawaadh has said.

Minister Sawaadh said special projects are underway to transform Maamakunudhoo region in to a special destination for eco tourism lovers. Sawaadh said Maamakunudhoo region is inhabited by huge whale shark population and has many suitable islands with sandy beaches and clear lagoons. He said the region was selected for development of eco tourism after careful study.

“Eco tourism is one fast developing sector of this industry, tourism which protects natural resources is fast developing in many countries” Ali Faiz who works in the tourism industry said.

According to Faiz, in countries where logging is carried out, introduction of eco tourism has helped to prevent increase in logging, preserved the jungles to for tourism and helped local communities. Ali Faiz said it is already late to introduce eco tourism in Maldives, and that it should have been done years ago.

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Maldives celebrates “Earth Hour”, saves 3 megawatts of electricity

	A world-wide event planned to create awareness about global warming

The Maldives took part in the “Earth Hour” celebrations for the first time, on Saturday night. “Earth Hour” is a world-wide event planned to create awareness about global warming and climate change.

Residents of Malé, the resorts and other islands took part in the celebration by turning off all the electrical equipment that weren’t absolutely necessary between 8:30pm and 9:30pm. After the hour had passed, the State Electric Company (STELCO) announced that during the one hour the power usage had come down to 23,000kw from 26,000kw. STELCO’s engineer Ibrahim Rauf said that it was a 3MW decrease. He further said that as a result of the event, they had saved 810 litters of diesel and kept 1.5 tonnes of carbon dioxide gas from being released into the atmosphere.

Lights Out!
SHERATON MALDIVES FULL MOON RESORT & SPA AND W RETREAT & SPA - MALDIVES CELEBRATES EARTH HOUR

	“Our guests will definitely find their stay with us a spectacular & unique experience”

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Around the Globe Observe Environmental Awareness Event

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa Staged “Inviting Earth Evening” and W Retreat & Spa-Maldives’ “Big Turn Off” was for Non-Essential Power, Not Your Palate!

Maldives - March 29, 2009 - Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and W Retreat & Spa - Maldives participated in Earth Hour, a global environmental awareness event organized by the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), on March 28, 2009, together sent a powerful global message about environmental awareness and caring for the planet. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and W Retreat & Spa - Maldives observed Earth Hour by turning off its lights and taking other energy-saving measures for one full hour further underscoring Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ commitment to environmental sustainability.

Earth Hour is drawing strong support from Starwood hotels around the globe.

“We are very proud to participate in this global initiative. Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa invites our guests to get together as a community and participate in this special occasion. By participating in this momentous event while enjoying a once in a lifetime holiday, our guests will definitely find their stay with us a spectacular & unique experience.” said Justin Malcolm, Hotel Manager, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. “Everyone must do their part in order to tackle climate change. We at the W Retreat & Spa-Maldives feel very fortunate to live in such an unspoiled paradise that we have measures in place to help create a sustainable environment. Our participation in Earth Hour is a small, but significant, highlight of our commitment and also gives our guests a chance to do their part, even while on holiday.” said Coetzer Deysel, Resort Manager for W Retreat & Spa-Maldives.

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