Hotel Jen Male’ Maldives has conducted an awareness session on plastic pollution, in collaboration with Parley Maldives

The session was held in conjunction with Plastic Free Month under the theme, #BeatPlasticPollution.

More than 60 staff members participated in this eye-opening awareness session, which took them through various videos and valuable information on ocean pollution that’s happening around the world and in Maldives.

Parley for the Oceans is a US-based organisation, working with resorts, hotels, schools, local islands and fishing vessels to intercept plastic which is then shipped abroad for recycling. The recycled plastic is used to make design-wear.

The figures are alarming. Every year, 13 million tons of plastic are dumped in our oceans, where they destroy coral reefs and threaten marine fauna.

Despite being an idyllic paradise, the Maldives has not escaped the impact of plastic waste that end up in the world’s oceans every year. Endless bits of plastic wash up on the pristine beaches, just a few metres away from an abundant sea life that includes turtles, dolphins, sting rays and hundreds of fish species.

Since 2017, Hotel Jen has been one of the major collaborative partners for Parley Maldives. The hotel segregates its plastic waste whilst its staff members support this cause by bringing the plastic waste collected at their homes. This plastic waste is then collected by Parley on weekly basis.

Up to date, Hotel Jen has contributed 1842.50kg of plastic to Parley.

“As its all our responsibility to ensure we eradicate this problem and show the support for #BeatPlasticPollution,” the hotel said, in a statement.

The awareness session is the latest initiative by Hotel Jen to protect and preserve the Maldives’ fragile natural environment.

The hotel had in January banned the use of single-use plastic straws, takeaway containers and plastic bags.

The only international business hotel in the Maldives, Hotel Jen Male Maldives by Shangri-La is ideally located in the commercial and administrative district of capital Male, making it the preferred stay for business travellers and transit passengers.

The 14-storey building is the tallest hotel in the capital, and offers 114 rooms, including a Deluxe Suite. The three food and beverage outlets include a grab and go cafe, an all-day dining restaurant, and a rooftop restaurant overlooking an infinity swimming pool.