At Kuramathi Maldives, sustainability isn’t just a goal – it’s a way of life. Tom Osborne, the resort’s Sustainability Manager, strives to create meaningful change both at the resort and beyond. With both a BSc and MRes in Marine Biology from Swansea University, he has dedicated his career to sustainability, aiming to make a “big difference in a small place.”

Originally from Cornwall, Tom’s deep connection to nature inspired his pursuit of a career in marine biology, where his research focused on juvenile green turtles. His career journey has taken him across the globe, from conservation projects in Costa Rica, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to establishing an eco-centre for local communities in Kenya.

At Kuramathi, he leads groundbreaking sustainability initiatives, ensuring compliance with Travelife standards, optimising energy use, and managing impactful projects, including a coral restoration program and a new lab in partnership with the Maldives Coral Institute (MCI). Since joining the resort, Tom has played a pivotal role in driving sustainability initiatives. Tom has helped to continue sustainability initiatives of Kuramathi like eliminating single use plastics and reducing food wastage and expanded The Muraka Coral Regeneration Project. Currently, the project boasts 240 coral frames in the water, supporting 3,600 coral fragments.

“We aim to add 200 more coral frames in the coming months, bringing the total to over 5,000 coral fragments,” says Tom Osborne. “Although we still have a long way to go to reach our ultimate goal of 1,000 frames, we remain fully committed to our mission.”

His philosophy, rooted in the belief that we “borrow the Earth from our children,” underscores his commitment to environmental stewardship. Through innovative strategies and a relentless focus on sustainability, Tom is helping to shape a greener future for Kuramathi and its surrounding
ecosystem.

Ongoing Research at Kuramathi

Tom is a strong advocate for collaboration and knowledge sharing within the scientific community. He actively engages with researchers and universities both locally and internationally, promoting the exchange of ideas and findings. At present, Kuramathi is hosting students working on their master’s research projects. One student is studying the population of grey reef sharks at Madivaru, while another three students work to establish the reef’s carbonate budget. This is essential for monitoring the future health of the house reef and is a crucial first step in assessing how efficient reefs can be as a carbon sink and therefore potentially how restoration efforts can be used as counter carbon measures in the future.

Looking ahead, Kuramathi Maldives is planning to welcome more master’s students in September and October. Two students from Munich will investigate the chemosensory signature of the reef and how it influences larval fish recruitment. Additionally, a student from Milan will be studying the animals that associate themselves with the coral frames, offering further insight into reef biodiversity and restoration effectiveness.

Kuramathi Installs New Solar System

The resort is actively working to reduce its reliance on diesel by installing a new solar system across 19 buildings. The roof solar system will produce approximately 942,000 kWh annually, saving around 255,000 litres of diesel each year.

Eco Centre at Kuramathi: Sustainability at its Heart

The Eco Centre stands as a symbol of the resort’s commitment to sustainability. With eco-friendly practices, local partnerships, and a focus on education, the centre drives meaningful change while supporting the local community. A standout initiative is the resort’s hydroponic garden, which reduces emissions and provides fresh, nutrient-rich herbs and lettuces for its restaurants. Marine conservation is at the core of the Eco Centre’s mission. Guests can join guided snorkelling safaris or attend educational presentations to explore and learn about the vibrant underwater ecosystem.

Empowering the Local Community

Kuramathi gives back to the local community through various initiatives like the Rasdhoo Blue Tide Swim Club. Every month, 25 local children have the opportunity to explore the marine environment, learning about reefs, turtles, sharks, and mantas through education sessions in and out of the water together with Eco Centre team at Kuramathi.

From reducing diesel use to coral restoration and community education, Kuramathi Maldives is setting the standard for environmentally conscious hospitality. Tom’s steadfast guidance as Sustainability Manager ensures the resort continues to pave the way for sustainable tourism while addressing the challenges of climate change head-on.