Sustainability in the Heart of Kanuhura
Our sustainability strategy is deeply woven into every decision we make. We carefully consider the social, environmental, and economic effects of our operations to ensure that we do not cause harm, now or in the future. Such a strategy can only be successful through the commitment of our entire team on this continuous and evolving journey, achieved by motivating, encouraging, training, educating, and leading by example. The resort features an extensive orchid nursery which houses over 10,000 orchids, including the endemic and rare Dendrobium Kanuhura, a certified new species by the UK Horticultural Society. Our hydroponic farm grows over 10 varieties of produce, from microgreens to salads, aromatic herbs and more. Given our remote location, and a scarcity of fertile soil, our hydroponic system helps us lower our emissions, reduce our carbon footprint, reduce plastic packaging waste, increase our nutrient intake, and inspire our chefs with fresh ingredients to experiment with.
Environmental Responsibility
We’re dedicated to giving back to nature and preserving the beauty of our little island. Whether it’s safeguarding our marine ecosystem, conserving turtles, monitoring seagrass, or nurturing local flora and fauna, our team is on a mission to make a lasting green impact.
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Sea Turtle Conservation
In collaboration with our partner Atoll Marine Centre, a local marine conservation and education NGO, research on the local turtle population is conducted using photo identification, and submitted and aggregated into a global database, overseen by Olive Ridley Project. We aim to better understand the status of sea turtle populations local to the hotel, promote responsible and sustainable Maldives tourism, and safeguard sea turtles from threats such as ghost nests.
In 2024, nine sea turtle nests were laid on our beaches, eight from green turtles and one from a hawksbill turtle. A total of 420 hatchlings flippered their way to the ocean, achieving an impressive 86 percent hatching success! To protect the babies, our dedicated resort hosts banded together, volunteering after hours to monitor as the nests neared hatching. When the moment arrived, our marine biology team was on standby, ensuring each tiny traveler had the safest possible start to its ocean adventure.
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Seagrass Conservation
Ever wondered about those mysterious deep blue patches amidst the turquoise waters? Behold, the seagrass meadows, nature's bustling underwater cities for fish and shellfish. Our sustainability squad is on a mission to protect these eco-superheroes, and we are seeing such rewarding results. The ocean is turning into a marine metropolis right before our eyes with the number of marine sightings increasing every day.
Did you know most island resorts in the Maldives prevent seagrass growth by laying large sheets of plastic across the ocean floor? Since opening in 2023, Six Senses Kanuhura has prioritized the protection of its seagrass meadows by actively removing over 3,000 kilograms of plastic sheets from the seabed and regularly monitoring them.
Social Responsibility
At Six Senses Kanuhura, sustainability isn’t just a practice - it’s a way of life, woven into our community, culture, and surroundings. We’re always looking for ways to make a meaningful difference, ensuring our impact is as positive as the paradise we call home.
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Preserving Culture, One Breadfruit at a Time
The Banbukeyo Conservation Project is our tribute to Maldivian heritage, biodiversity, and the beloved, but disappearing, breadfruit. In partnership with the incredible women of Veshi Saafu from Addu Atoll, we’re crafting a breadfruit recipe book, a collection of timeless flavors that celebrate this island staple. All proceeds will support Veshi Saafu, with the book available to purchase locally and internationally. These talented women also shared their culinary expertise with our chefs, introducing traditional breadfruit dishes to our menus for both guests and our Heart of House team. Beyond the kitchen, they donated breadfruit saplings, now thriving in our organic garden. With every dish prepared and every tree planted, we’re not just preserving a fruit, we’re cultivating a legacy that sustains both people and the planet.
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Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2024
Six Senses Kanuhura proudly served as the main sponsor for the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2024, hosted by Naifaru Juvenile, a local NGO. This year’s event, marking its 7th anniversary, brought together over 3,000 attendees and 16+ organizations, uniting the community in support of marine conservation. With all five species of sea turtles in the Maldives facing critical threats due to human-related stressors, the festival amplifies the urgent need for action. Through awareness and education, we strive to protect not just sea turtles but the entire marine ecosystem. Each year, we aim to expand our reach, inspiring more people to join the movement for ocean conservation in Lhaviyani, the Maldives, and beyond.
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Visting schools - Empowering Future Generations
Community and sustainability go hand in hand, and inspiring young minds is a big part of our mission. Since opening in 2023, we’ve welcomed 247 students from three local schools across Naifaru, Hinnavaru, Kurendhoo, Olhuvelifushi, and N. Kendhikulhudhoo to give them a behind-the-scenes look at resort life, with hands-on insights from our team leaders, helping them discover exciting career possibilities while experiencing the magic of hospitality firsthand.
