Labs

In 2003, we began an effort to create a dedicated research facility in Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru.

When the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab officially opened its doors in early 2004, it became the first resort-based facility in the Maldives. The Marine Lab was designed to provide basic facilities and equipment for important fieldwork conducted by visiting expert scientists, as well as to share the necessity of marine conservation and sustainable livelihoods with local communities.

Since that inception, the Marine Lab has grown to carry the banner for our CSR efforts in Maldives. Due to the success in contributing to both the scientific body of knowledge, as well as the community’s understanding of the importance of environmental conservation, this model was recreated in late 2006 with the opening of the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, Velavaru and again in 2007 with the opening of the Banyan Tree Bintan Conservation Lab.

Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, Vabbinfaru
Launched in December 2003, the Lab represents years of hard work and dedication to local environmental conservation and community issues. It provides the umbrella for coordinating extensive conservation work conducted by associates, guests and scientists while also providing a centre for raising environmental awareness within the communities in the Maldives.

Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, Velavaru
In 2007, a second research facility, the Banyan Tree Maldives Marine Lab, was established on the island of Velavaru in the South Nilandhe Atoll. The Banyan Tree Velavaru Marine Lab is a research facility which aims to further understand and safeguard the incredible diversity of the Maldivian reefs and ocean. Furthermore, it hopes to introduce and share with resort guests the joy and importance of marine conservation, by actively encouraging guests to get involved in the discovery, protection and conservation of local marine wildlife and corals.

Banyan Tree Bintan Conservation Lab
Launched in February 2007, the Banyan Tree Bintan Conservation Lab was the Group’s first research facility catering to terrestrial conservation in Asia, in addition to its focus on marine conservation. The Lab seeks to raise international awareness of the importance of Indonesia’s biodiversity, which is at risk due to unsustainable development practices causing habitat destruction. By focusing on three main aspects of research, education and outreach, the Lab can host visiting scientists and other experts to research as well as implement strategies to promote ecologically sustainable social and economic development.