SONEVA Fushi by Six Senses has officially inaugurated Eco Centro, a project that converts the waste generated by the resort operation into wealth.
Eco Centro is an integrated waste management site on the Maldives resort, where, using permaculture principles, the resort recycles waste and uses water, energy, land and local produce wisely. The concept of WELL (water, energy, land and localisation) is based on the principle that by localising the water supply, energy production and land needs the resort can vastly reduce wastage in many areas.
Through Maldives based Eco Centro, nearly 80 per cent of waste generated from the operation is converted into good use. Presently, all woody waste (bio mass) is converted to charcoal for use in the kitchens, and bio-char, a soil nutrient through a process known as pyrolysis. A further upgrade of the system with the addition of a wood gasification unit planned for next year will generate enough electricity to provide power to the organic restaurant and Cinema Paradiso.
Organic kitchen waste is converted to bio-gas and liquid fertiliser for use in the gardens through a sub-surface irrigation system. All cardboard and paper generated from the offices is used in making compost for the gardens, and are also shared with surrounding islands. Inorganic matters, such as glass bottles, are crushed and used in construction and making decorative furniture such as table tops.
Eco Centro also displays how food can be grown in small spaces. The Mandela Garden at the centre is used to grow culinary, medicinal and insect repellant herbs and plants. Bamboo is used as a biomass mop crop, as it is known for retaining nutrients and absorbing atmospheric carbon.