Meet our Marine Biologist Ariana Bell, a Kiwi from New Zealand, the latest addition to the Ocean Dimensions team. She has recently graduated from the University of Otago, double majoring in Marine Science specializing in Aquaculture, Fisheries and Zoology.

No matter where you are in the world our nature needs protection. From the rain forests of the Amazon to the Barrier Reef in Australia, the pristine and yet fragile island nation of the Maldives is no exception.

Apart from spending time in the water with guests and identifying different species of fish and informative marine presentations in the evenings, Ariana’s main mission is to make Kihaa Maldives more environmentally friendly. This does not only include changing physical products and processes, but also to encourage people to change their mind sets to become more environmentally aware.

Part of her job is to spend some time in each department to observe and understand how everything is run. Then work with the members of the resort to come up with more sustainable alternatives and solutions. We can say that she is not only a Marine Biologist but also a sustainability warrior.

Working together is very important not only here at Kihaa Maldives, but all around the world. Everyone needs to get involved in any way they can.

Here are a few ideas of what you can do:

Re-cycling is great but re-using is even better

Switch to a more environmentally friendly soap detergent

Say NO to straws unless they are re-useable

Use less water, turn off the tap when you brush your teeth

Look for refill stations for shampoo and conditioner in your neighbourhood

Use less paper and reuse it

Don’t use clingfilm in your kitchen, use plastic containers

Always take a shopping bag along

If you are a take away coffee addict, get your own take away cup

Use refillable water bottles

In the bars and restaurants at Kihaa Maldives you won’t find any plastic straws, they are all bamboo. The resort makes their own drinking water and serves in glass bottles.

Fresh from university Ariana will have many ideas how to make Kihaa Maldives even more environmentally friendly.

And remember every little bit helps!