Simply Abu Dhabi XXX

1 3 5 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I W e live in changing and delicate times. Our planet has suffered from monumental pressure on its environment and eco- systems have been pushed close to the brink of collapse. More and more though, the mounting incontrovertible evidence means that the tide is finally turning. After decades of building awareness and education, each successive generation is learning about how vital conservation and sustainable practices are for the future of life on Earth. A sharp sense of eco-awareness and a collective will to treat the planet with due care and responsibility has developed across many sectors and industries, and luxury travel is no exception. For many travellers today, the green credentials of any potential destination are highly important. The Coco Collection of resorts in the Maldives has long been an exemplar of environmental awareness and leading the way is Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu—a spectacularly beautiful eco-oriented luxury resort located in the Maldives’ Baa Atoll. Set within a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Coco PalmDhuni Kolhu resort has received numerous awards from the travel industry for its dedication to environmental stewardship and its sustainable practices. Any visit there throws into sharp relief how important it is to protect and preserve the environment and its wildlife. It is such a breathtaking corner of the Earth that the prospect of it being blindly degraded is unthinkable. Fringed by white sandy beaches and an impossibly aqua-blue lagoon, it’s obvious why tourists are attracted to such an enchanting location. But with the significant tourism development in the Maldives and the Baa Atoll comes extra pressure on the eco-system and the marine environment. Without stringent good practice and consistent education, the local population will face threats from pollution, discarded waste, coral bleaching and overfishing. Plastic is a major concern, especially single-use utensils and water bottles. Sir Richard Branson recently wrote, ‘Everybody knows that plastic waste is a huge problem facing the world right now. Humans buy a million