Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is launching new eco-initiatives for a greener future!

Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, the pioneering resort nestled in the South Ari atoll embarks on an eco-journey. In an initiative to preserve nature’s beauty of the Maldives for the generations to come, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island associated with the leading environmental organization and collaboration network, Parley For The Oceans and ephemeral artist, John K. Melvin to ignite an appreciation for the oceans and surrounding environment. The resort unveils a large-scale installation by acclaimed artist John K. Melvin.

To become part of the solution to the challenges facing the oceans of the world, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island along with Parley For The Oceans will actively take part from late summer 2019. The resort will provide a Parley Kit in each guest villa, following the principles of Parley AIR Hospitality Program (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign). Parley Kits contain a reusable stainless steel 0.7L Conrad x Parley co-branded water bottle and a Parley Ocean Plastic® Tote Bag. An average of 5 intercepted plastic bottles is used to make each bag. Via the Parley Global Clean Up Network, the purchase of each bag contributes to the removal of 10 pounds of marine plastic waste. In this way, Conrad’s guests are encouraged to play an active role in reducing the use of harmful materials.

General Manager of Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Stefano Ruzza said “With a mindful approach to travel, Conrad Maldives Rangali Island continues to inspire change. “Through creative collaborations with like-minded 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 incentivize change and address the need for implementing sustainable practices. The renowned ephemeral eco-artist John K. Melvin was commissioned 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, built at five meters x five meters x seven meters, hangs from the ceiling and serves as an educational and interactive touchpoint for guests who find themselves enamored by the piece. Resembling a jellyfish, a species is 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 humankind’s 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 any single-use plastic bottles with either glass or 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 neighboring islands to a coral reef regeneration initiative with the resort’s own marine biologists.