Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the pioneering resort nestled in the South Ari Atoll embarks on an eco-journey though working with leading environmental organization and collaboration network, Parley For The Oceans and ephemeral artist, John K. Melvin to ignite appreciation for the oceans and surrounding environment. To celebrate the progressive movement towards fostering sustainable hospitality, the resort unveiled a large-scale installation by acclaimed artist John K. Melvin. Encouraging participation from both the Maldives community and global travelers alike, the resort continues to further its commitment to preserving the beauty of the Maldives, for generations to come.
Starting late summer 2019, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will work with Parley For The Oceans to take an active role in becoming part of the solution to the challenges that face the world’s oceans. Following the principles of the Parley AIR Hospitality Program (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign), the resort will help to drive change by offering its guests a Parley Kit, available in every guest villa. Each Parley Kit contains a reusable stainless steel 0.7L Conrad x Parley co-branded water bottle and a Parley Ocean Plastic® Tote Bag. The tote bag is made of an average of 5 intercepted plastic bottles and its purchase contributes to the removal of 10 pounds of marine plastic waste via the Parley Global Clean Up Network. This way, Conrad guests are encouraged to play an active role in reducing the use of harmful materials.
“With a mindful approach to travel, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to inspire change,” said Stefano Ruzza, General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island. “Through creative collaborations with likeminded brands and the development of unique and educational experiences on and off property, we encourage our guests to become part of the solution as they reinforce a positive impact while traveling as well as in their daily life at home.”
Building on their mission to inspire guests’ connection to the Maldives, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is using art as a catalyst for conversation and creativity to incentivise change and address the need for implementing sustainable practices. The resort commissioned renowned ephemeral eco- artist John K. Melvin to construct an installation that speaks to the human relationship with the environment and more specifically, the topic of plastic pollution. EvoGyre debuted at Rangali Bar on June 23, 2019 and is assembled using nearly 5,500 locally sourced single-use plastic bottles held together by coir rope, steel cable and illuminated by LED lighting.
The life-size structure, measuring five metres x five metres x seven metres, hangs from the ceiling and serves as an educational and interactive touchpoint for guests who find themselves enamoured by the piece. Resembling a jellyfish, a species known for being an indicator of climate change, EvoGyre makes a direct connection between the surrounding marine environment of the Maldives and the impact of plastic. Inspired by THE MURAKA and the surrounding Maldivian community, EvoGyre serves as a visual reminder of the humankind responsibility to protect the oceans.
Committed to the Parley AIR strategy to end plastic pollution, the resort has also pledged to eliminate the use of plastic on property. By January 2020, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will officially replace all single-use plastic bottles with either glass or a reusable material. This investment in the future of the environment is complemented by the resort’s new guest programming, which includes eco-activities ranging from beach clean ups on neighbouring islands to a coral reef regeneration initiative with the resort’s own marine biologists.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is aligned with Hilton’s global corporate responsibility strategy “Travel with Purpose,” which is dedicated to developing shared value for communities where the hotels and resorts are located. Conrad Maldives supports Hilton’s commitment and Travel with Purpose strategy to cut its environmental footprint in half and double its social impact investment by 2030, a strategy that supports the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda. Through a robust corporate responsibility program that encompasses sustainability and community investment initiatives, Conrad Maldives strives to make an enduring and positive impact on the lives of the people living in these communities.
