The resorts themselves were built with preserving the environment as a prime requisite. Building materials were imported to prevent the destruction of the local coral reefs which have been known to turn up in cement.

Fresh water, usually taken with dire consequences from ground water, is extracted from seawater using at a specially built desalination plant. Other initiatives include recycling waste water, using it in irrigation and the recycling of containers used to store shampoo and other body products.

Of the many Marine Conservation projects that the Resorts are undertaking is the rearing and research into Sea Turtles. In May 2001 a Green Turtle laid three nests. On this discovery the Angsana Maldives Resort & Spa decided to contribute and help make a difference in the survival of these animals. From these nest 320 Turtles were born and from it a one year project was developed to research this endangered species. Two special nurseries were set up in the lagoon near the Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru and Angsana Maldives. 10% of the turtles were kept so that their early life cycle could be research, important development due to the lack of knowledge about this reclusive animal.

The nurseries were built in the lagoons surrounded by wire netting allowing the fresh flow of water and protecting the turtles from the predators. Research was conducted by marine biologists employed by the resort and new understanding into turtles was gleaned from the project. A year later the turtles were released with two of them set up with satellite tracking tags, allowing their progress to be record. One was discovered in the Arabian Sea, having migrated 300 kilometers from the Maldives. The other turtle chose to stay in the vicinity choosing a coral reed as it's home.

The project has continued with the recent hatching of 95 Hawksbill turtles in February 2003. Some of these turtles are again being kept in the nurseries for research and rearing. It is hoped that more useful information can be gained. At the same time the projects hopes to give the turtles a better chance of survival, it is estimated that 50% of hatchling turtles never make it past the predators in the first day of life.

The Turtles have themselves become an attraction for the local school children as well a visitors to the resorts. Snorkel Tours include visiting the turtles, although there is a strict hands off policy. However, visitors are able to help dive and get food for the turtles.

It is an example of how tourism can help the environment through projects such as these. These projects are funded in part under the Banyan Tree's Green Imperative Fund, which allows each guest to donate $1 for each room night spent at a Banyan Tree resort. These funds goes to the turtle project as well as other numerous conservation and sustainable development projects that are being conducted.

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http://www.banyantree.com/dive/