Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives launches reef-friendly sunscreen!

The reef-friendly sunscreen has been launched by Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives. They encourage the divers and snorkellers to use the reef-safe sunscreen as it protects marine life from the adverse effects of two harmful chemicals, Oxybenzone & Octinoxate. Thus, will help to protect the precious coral life. The resident marine biologist at the resort, Peter Pringle explained that “many regular sunscreens contain these two chemicals, which have been shown in laboratory studies to be highly toxic to corals and other animals, particularly the young stages that need to replenish marine populations.”

Several countries (including Hawaii and Palau) have recently prohibited sunscreens containing Oxybenzone & Octinoxate, due to their potential toxicity to reefs.

Between 6,000 and 14,000 tonnes of sunscreen is washed off into the sea each year. Preventing the entrance of high levels of associated toxic compounds will promote healthier reefs, narrowing the extensive die-offs of corals that are linked with warmer ocean temperatures and global climate change.

“This is another step ahead for Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives, pursuing our commitment towards Environmental Management System and efforts towards Sustainable Tourism”, more to be announced gradually, as soon as we lay down practices and projects in pipeline enhancing green and eco driven initiatives for everyone’s benefit.” Raffaele Solferino commented General Manager of Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives.