Guided by Marriott International’s Serve 360 sustainability platform, the resort’s sustainability efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring that actions taken today help safeguard tomorrow. JW Marriott Maldives Kaafu Atoll Island Resort actively participates in the conservation and restoration of biodiversity within the resort and surrounding ecosystems. The resort is working in collaboration with MIT’s Self-Assembly Lab on the INVENA Project, pioneering adaptive coastal protection research. In January 2025, a 30-meter underwater structure was installed that uses wave-energy modulation, helps mitigate beach erosion, supports sand accumulation, and enhances coastal resilience.
Within just six months of the initial installation, thirty meters of new beach accretion was recorded alongside the presence of thousands of fish and natural coral recruitment. The structure will serve as a foundation for long-term island sustainability, creating new reef habitats where fish, soft corals, and hard corals can flourish. A vibrant house reef will be created where guests can swim, snorkel and explore colorful sea life.
Marine conservation is a high priority in the Maldives. The resort actively prohibits the buying of endangered marine life products such as turtle shell and black coral. Guests are also informed that it is illegal to remove shells or coral from the beach as they provide homes for hermit crabs, which contribute to local biodiversity.
