The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands has debuted the legendary Jean-Michel Cousteau, as the Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Indian Ocean.
Ocean’s Future Society, and five other Ritz-Carlton properties globally will collaborate with the resort to bring this preservation program to guests. Through the program the resort aims to enrich the experience for guests to the natural wonders of the Maldives.
Jean-Michel Cousteau is a oceanographic explorer, environmentalist and an educator. With the goal of marine conservation, he has dedicated his entire life to working with leaders of countries and industries, and especially the next generation, to share with them the value of ocean heritage, the need to protect it, and specific actions for sustainable management. He
Richard Murphy, a spokesman for the Ocean’s Future organization said, “extending the Ambassadors of the Environment program to the Maldives was an obvious next step for the brand as it will allow our naturalists to create new and cutting-edge programming for the resort’s guests.”
Murphy began working with Jean-Michel and his father in 1968. With a PhD in marine biology he has participated in Cousteau expeditions around the world and served as photographer, scientist, educator, and spokesman for the Cousteaus. He now leads the Ambassadors of the Environment teams and is intimately involved in the development of new programs with the Ritz-Carlton brand.
Murphy further stated, “We call the program Ambassadors of the Environment because we want people to return home with the inspiration and motivation to live more sustainably and to appreciate the importance of protecting the nature that keeps our planet habitable for us and all other species. It was initially created specifically for kids but their parents came to us, asking if they could participate because their children were having more fun than they were. We agreed, and now the Ambassadors programme is for guests of all ages but the message is always the same – protect our marine resources. The health and richness of the coral reefs and the sustainable infrastructure of the Ritz- Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands will make this Ambassadors programme one of the most exciting and impactful programs we have ever created,”
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, will carry on the values of Jean- Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society through immersive and educational programming that explores and protects the delicate ecosystem of the Maldives. Each program’s menu of activities varies on what the region supports however, programming may include kayaking, underwater photography and videography, rock wall climbing, night snorkeling, astronomy and more.
Mark Hehir, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, said, “As the only resort offering this in the region, our partnership with the iconic Jean-Michel Cousteau will further our commitment to a sustainable future and bring this incredibly important environmental preservation aspect through to the guest experience,”
The partnership between Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society and The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company began in 2005 with agreement to bring Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment programme to Ritz -Carlton hotels around the world. Currently, the programme provides educational, outdoor adventures to guests and the local communities of The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman; The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve; The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara and Zadún, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve.
The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands, is set to open On June 01, 2021. The resort is located 45-minute journey by speedboat or a 10-minute seaplane flight from Velana International Airport, on the Fari Island. The resort features white sandy beaches, turquoise lagoons and coral reefs with marine life. The property is also expected to offer a choice of outstanding culinary venues serving an array of international and local cuisines, in addition to a full suite of fitness and recreational facilities including a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa.
