When you operate a resort in a place known as paradise, it makes business sense to protect that title. The Maldives, a beautiful archipelagic nation in South Asia with nearly 1,200 coral islands, vibrant marine life, and pristine beaches, attracts over two million visitors annually.
For the resorts operating in the Maldives, it’s important to maintain a clean, beautiful and healthy environment – as this is the biggest draw for tourists. Marking a poignant step forward, one of the luxury, all-inclusive resorts in the Maldives, Siyam World Maldives, has unveiled the nation’s first dedicated Plastic Upcycling Centre.
In collaboration with local environmental NGO CLEAN Maldives, the centre has been designed to turn discarded plastic items, such as oil containers, cleaning product drums, and shampoo bottles, into functional products like sunbeds, planters, and outdoor seating.
In a shared value model, 60% of the upcycled items will remain at the resort, while 40% will be distributed by CLEAN Maldives. Both partners are committed to donating select products for use in public spaces like island parks, beaches, and communal areas.
A positive ripple effect across the islands
Beyond resort-generated waste, the facility also accepts plastic from the nearby inhabited island of Kudafari. While other small-scale efforts have existed previously, this represents a nation-first in terms of scale, circular process, and community integration on a resort island.
The project marks a major step forward in sustainable resort operations and is already sparking wider conversations across the country about responsible waste management and community-led environmental action. To date, the centre recycles approximately 800 kg of hard plastics per month, contributing over 10,000 kg annually to the circular economy.
Already, the ripple effects are being felt across the industry. Other resorts have expressed interest in replicating the model or launching similar collaborations with local NGOs, pointing to a wider shift toward conscious, community-focused tourism in the Maldives.
Community, guest experience and environmental protection
Siyam World remains deeply connected with the local community through this project. The facility has created three new employment opportunities, and it is also set to play an educational role in the future. Guided tours for guests and school groups will be introduced as part of the resort’s environmental awareness efforts, helping to showcase the importance of plastic reduction, recycling, and upcycling through real-world solutions.
The facility was formally inaugurated during a ceremony attended by Mr. Abdulla Thamheed, Vice President of Sun Siyam Resorts, and Ms. Hafsath Aleem, President and Founder of CLEAN Maldives.
It was developed as part of the Plastic Free Rivers and Seas for South Asia (PLEASE) Project, an initiative funded by the World Bank and implemented by the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP) with support from UNOPS.
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals
The launch event drew support from representatives of UNOPS, the World Bank, local councils, and members of the resort’s staff, highlighting how public-private partnerships can effectively address environmental challenges in island nations.
This initiative supports the following Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
- SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals
- SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
The project operates independently of the group’s Sun Siyam Cares sustainability framework. However, it mirrors the same values: investing in long-term solutions, empowering local communities, and championing practical innovation that deliver real change.
