Ritz-Carlton Maldives hires sustainability advocate

July 12, 2024

Surrounded by sparkling seas, coral reefs and palm trees, the hotel has a longstanding commitment to marine life protection and learning. Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton

By Emily Iris Degn for Luxury Daily News Service

Marriott International-owned hotel and resort chain The Ritz-Carlton is recruiting a green leader.

Recently, an island property belonging to the brand appointed its first sustainability champion. Climate justice activist and United Nations consultant Saad Amer heads environmental education and engagement efforts for guests of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, stepping into the role in late June.

“I am thrilled to partner with The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands in advancing their environmental education and sustainability initiatives,” said Mr. Amer, in a statement.

“Together, we will inspire future generations to contribute to the preservation of this stunning ecosystem and take climate action,” he said. “It is a privilege to work with a resort that leads with a commitment to luxury and environmental stewardship.”

Luxury meets ecotourism
At The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, Mr. Amer is offering instruction on climate action and stewardship.

Upon his inauguration as Sustainability Champion, he visited the hotel from July 4 to July 11, giving presentations, raising awareness and interacting with local academies. Between July 7 and July 9, he held his Climate School: A Thought Experiment on How to Save the Planet.

The U.N. advisor is known for his glamorous style and mobilization endeavors, having been featured in publications such as Vogue and WWD. Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton

Participants were led in meditation, reflecting on their place on the planet and how they can help preserve it for future generations. An additional sensory experience drove curiosity about nature, drawing on insights gathered from the Marriott Sustainability Community and its resident marine biologist.

Mr. Amer went to local schools to deliver further presentations and joined a lunch with students from the Maldives National University and Villa College.

Guests had access throughout his week to sustainable afternoon teas, cocktail hours and a kid-friendly workshop.

Going forward, the Harvard graduate is attempting to slash the resort’s water and energy consumption, aligning with the tropical stay’s focus on nature. Surrounded by sparkling seas, coral reefs and palm trees, the hotel has a longstanding commitment to marine life protection, sustainability and learning.

The resort is filled with amenities and features that enable guests to vacation more sustainably. Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton

Luxury meets conscious travel, as amenities include bamboo-based personal consumables, bamboo and stainless-steel straws, reusable water bottles and refilling stations. There are also solar panels and a garden, which provides plot-to-plate cuisine for mindful dining at the restaurant where options are largely plant-based and zero-waste.

Additionally, Mr. Amer is not the first figure tapped by The Ritz-Carlton location to embody advocacy.

The Maldivian is home to French oceanographic explorer, education and film producer Jean-Michel Cousteau’s first Ambassadors of the Environment program in the Asia-Pacific region.

The initiative was developed in partnership with Richard Murphy, a life cycles professor and member of the United Kingdom’s Center for Environment and Sustainability, and conservation nonprofit Ocean Futures Society. Exclusive to the Marriott-owned brand, the endeavor informs guests about watery ecosystems through outdoor activities.

Mr. Amer adds to The Ritz-Carlton booking’s bids for ecotourists’ attention. He is on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for social impact, being widely recognized for his work in intersectional environmentalism, an increasingly influential movement.

The Maldivian hotel centers education and sustainable often, with Mr. Amer's appointment adding to efforts. Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton The Maldivian hotel centers green education often, making Mr. Amer's appointment perhaps a fitting addition to longstanding initiatives. Image credit: The Ritz-Carlton

Luxury houses seeking approval from sustainably-minded spenders have taken to the ethos in recent years. Many in fashion specifically are championing DEI in campaigns, touting ecofeminism (see story) and launching indigenous-led conservation projects (see story).

The U.N. advisor operates in the midst of this world, known for his glamorous style and mobilization endeavors. He is featured in publications such as Vogue and WWD, and is the founder of Justice Environment, a firm that helps businesses, nonprofits and governments navigate ESG and make the green transition.

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Ritz-Carlton Maldives hires sustainability advocate

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