Title Timeline showing 8 out of 9
Forest Restoration in Mozambique
The not-for-profit Soneva Foundation engages Eden Reforestation Projects to plant 3.7 million trees in Mozambique’s Matica Sede, which will mitigate 2.4 million tonnes of CO2. Deforestation is responsible for about 11% of global carbon emissions. Restoring forests helps mitigate climate change and improve biodiversity.
Coral Propagation
In partnership with Coralive, the Soneva Foundation sets up one of the biggest coral nurseries in the world using Mineral Accretion Technology (MAT) – effectively an electrified reef – at Soneva Fushi. The goal is to propagate 50,000 coral fragments every year.
Hornbill Reintroduction
The Soneva Foundation joins hands with the Thailand Hornbill Research Foundation to reintroduce hornbills on the island of Koh Kood – the home of Soneva Kiri. Improving the forest’s biodiversity by spreading the seeds of large trees, the first pair of oriental pied hornbills was brought to the island in December 2021.
Makers’ Place
Soneva introduces Makers’ Place, a fully carbon-neutral island studio that has the capacity to recycle huge volumes of plastic waste and aluminium into works of art, practical objects and building materials.
Launch of Soneva Namoona
Soneva Namoona, an independent Maldivian non-governmental organisation (NGO), launches in partnership with the neighbouring island communities of Maalhos, Dharavandhoo and Kihaadhoo, and international NGO Common Seas. Funded by Soneva and the Soneva Foundation, Soneva Namoona provides a blueprint for how all islands can phase out single-use plastic, introduce recycling and inspire a new generation of environmental stewards.
Mosquito Milestone
Committed to sustainable pest control, Soneva’s resorts begin using chemical-free mosquito traps. This conscious choice has been very effective with mosquito populations falling by a record 98%.
Myanmar Stoves Campaign
In 2014, the Myanmar Stoves Campaign by Soneva Foundation becomes the first Gold Standard-certified carbon project in Myanmar. Since then, over 36,000 stoves have been distributed, improving the lives of more than 170,000 people and generating USD 28 million of social capital.
Carbon Neutral Commitment
All Soneva resorts have been 100% carbon neutral since 2012. One of the ways we’ve achieved this is by adding a 2% environmental levy to all stays, offsetting both direct and indirect CO2 emissions. This includes carbon emissions from resort activities as well as guests’ air travel.
Baa Atoll Named UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Baa Atoll – the home of Soneva Fushi – became a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve in June 2011. It supports one of the largest groups of coral reefs in the Indian Ocean and is home to a globally significant biodiversity.
Thailand Forest Restoration
Soneva’s Forest Restoration Project has planted around 512,000 trees of 90 different local species in Thailand since 2011, reducing over 73,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions. A total area of 300 acres of degraded forest land is being restored in Northern Thailand, which will mitigate 255,000 tonnes of CO2.
Launch of Soneva Foundation
The UK-registered trust Soneva Foundation is Soneva’s charity of choice. Funded by Soneva’s 2% environmental levy on all stays and from revenues generated from the Soneva Water initiative, the Soneva Foundation supports the development of projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact around the world.
Year of Triumphs
2008 was a landmark year in Soneva’s history. From the launch of the Carbon Calculator to provide data on our direct and indirect CO2 emissions and environmental performance to hosting the first SLOW LIFE Symposium, bringing together renowned environmentalists. The same year, Soneva Water is introduced, a 1.5MW Soneva wind turbine is built to provide clean energy in South India, and Soneva is honoured as an environmental leader in the WTTC Tourism for Tomorrow Awards.
Award-Winning Results
Soneva becomes the first company in history to win Condé Nast Traveller’s Best of the Best awards for both luxury and sustainability, proving that responsible tourism and five-star hospitality can go hand in hand.
Plastic Straw Ban
Plastic straws have not been used in Soneva Fushi since 1998, and now all Soneva resorts only use paper straws or ethically sourced and environmentally friendly alternatives.
Soneva Fushi Opens
The first barefoot luxury resort in the Maldives, Soneva Fushi opens to worldwide acclaim. Built using recycled and environmentally friendly materials, Soneva sets a new standard for sustainable hospitality worldwide.
List of Sustainability Posts
Soneva Dialogue
Clean Water Projects
Care for Children
Mozambique Forest Restoration
SLOW LIFE Symposium
Myanmar Mangrove Restoration
Darfur Stoves Project
Ocean Stewards
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