Vacationers know the frustration of mosquito bites, but the threat of diseases like malaria and dengue adds a more serious dimension. Soneva Fushi, a Maldives resort on Kunfunadhoo Island, has successfully tackled this issue without harmful chemicals.
Partnering with Biogents, a Germany-based company specializing in eco-friendly mosquito traps, Soneva Fushi sought a sustainable solution. Arnfinn Oines, Soneva’s director of social and environmental consciousness, explained their journey to manage mosquitoes without resorting to chemicals.
The Maldives faces a significant mosquito problem, particularly during the monsoon season from May to November. Various methods, including traps and eliminating breeding grounds, were attempted but had limitations. Techniques like “hot fogging and mist blowing” were imprecise and could disturb guests.
In 2019, Soneva Fushi adopted Biogents’ traps, strategically placing over 500 devices on the island. Two trap types were employed: BG-GAT, a passive trap for tiger mosquitoes, and BG-Mosquitaire CO2, attracting mosquitoes with carbon dioxide and lactic acid mimicking human skin.
The traps, simulating human presence, proved highly effective, catching thousands of mosquitoes daily initially. Beyond using traps, the resort educated staff on mosquito ecology, conducting property inspections to eliminate stagnant water sources.
The results were remarkable, with a reported 98% reduction in the mosquito population within the first year. Soneva recorded daily catches, receiving positive feedback from returning guests who noticed the difference.
The Biogents system, free from concerns about resistance, also led to the resurgence of native insects in the absence of harmful chemicals. The flourishing biodiversity includes increased flowers, fruits, and native pollinators, fostering a healthier ecosystem.
Soneva Fushi, rooted in environmental sustainability since its founding in 1995, continues to set an example in the hospitality industry. Their commitment extends beyond pest control to a zero-waste philosophy, coral restoration programs, and other eco-friendly initiatives.
The resort aims to be the first mosquito-free island in the Maldives and has provided traps to Parliament in Malé, offering training on their usage. Soneva Jani, another resort, and the upcoming Soneva Secret have implemented the Biogents system, reporting zero mosquitoes over several months.
Soneva Fushi’s success has inspired other resorts to follow suit, fostering hope for a mosquito-free Maldives and emphasizing the importance of eco-friendly practices in the hospitality sector.
