Hopeful Laamu Atoll

Vacation at Mission Blue's "Hope Spot"

Some places on Earth are not only incredibly beautiful, but also unique and particularly valuable for the entire ecosystem. The international non-profit organization Mission Blue designates those areas that are considered significant for the health of the ocean, ecology, economy and culture and have the potential to reverse the damage of negative human impact as so-called Hope Spots.

Highly worthy of protection

With its lush reefs, extensive seagrass meadows and culturally significant mangroves, Laamu Atoll meets all the criteria of Mission Blue. The latter have a similar effect to seagrass meadows, which can bind incredible amounts of carbon dioxide. The seagrass meadows and mangrove groves make a meaningful contribution to climate protection and are considered the "green lungs" of the oceans. The mangroves of Laamu are of cultural importance for local traditions, such as the production of coconut ropes from coconut shells. The women, who pass this skill down through the generations, soak the coconut shells in the mangroves.

The corals are an ecosystem of their own and home to many plants and animals. Reefs protect the coast from strong waves and erosion. Because the reef only has a few passages from the ocean side into the lagoon, endangered and threatened species can still be found here. For example, healthy populations of Napoleon wrasse, gray reef sharks, manta rays and green and hawksbill turtles frolic in the crystal-clear waters of the atoll.

The Six Senses Laamu has long been committed to the protection and preservation of this unique marine ecosystem. The collection and evaluation of information began in 2011, and two years later the entire Maldives archipelago was designated a "Hope Spot": "This Hope Spot gives us hope that the marine ecosystems of Laamu and the associated livelihoods and traditions will be preserved for future generations," explains Ismail Ali, Chairman of the Laamu Atoll Council."

Joint efforts

"By declaring Laamu Atoll as its own little Hope Spot within the Maldives, we have the opportunity to lead and inspire the nation in the area of local marine conservation," explains Adam Tholhat, Sustainability and Community Outreach Manager at Six Senses Laamu. The designation as a Hope Spot is the result of an initiative launched jointly by Six Senses Laamu and three NGOs. The Six Senses luxury brand is thus proving once again that sustainability in its hotels has nothing to do with sacrifice. "Our mission has always been to leave a legacy in the Maldives - to leave this beautiful and unique part of the country better than we found it," says Marteyne van Well, General Manager of Six Senses Laamu.

Further information and booking: www.sixsenses.com