Renald Yude, the guardian of Gili Lankanfushi Lagoon
In the Maldives, where paradise teeters on the edge of climate peril, Gili Lankanfushi stands as a beacon of hope. This barefoot luxury retreat has just clinched EarthCheck Gold Certification—one of only five Maldivian resorts to achieve this elite status—proving that opulent escapes can champion planetary health. At the helm is Renald Yude, Marine Biologist and Sustainability Manager, whose decade-long crusade blends coral nurseries, seagrass sanctuaries, and waste wizardry into a blueprint for resilience.
Renald Yude’s vision transforms guests from sunseekers into stewards, inviting them to snorkel with resilient reefs, adopt corals, and grasp why seagrass meadows are the “lungs of the sea.” Amid global bleaching events and rising seas, his work isn’t just conservation—it’s a lifeline for the Maldives’ tourism jewel. In this exclusive interview, Yude reveals the science, successes, and stark warnings shaping the atolls’ future.
Gili Lankanfushi recently earned EarthCheck Gold Certification—one of only five Maldivian resorts to achieve this. From a scientific perspective, what specific practices or innovations do you believe were most instrumental in reaching this milestone?
Renald Yude: The most important factors were our sustained programs to reduce energy, water, and waste, all verified through strong benchmarking data that shows consistent year-on-year improvement. This, combined with measurable gains in biodiversity through coral restoration, seagrass protection and biodiversity monitoring. We also transitioned to refillable glass water bottles, eliminating thousands of single-used plastics annually.
The resort’s sustainability journey spans more than a decade, progressing from Bronze to Silver and now Gold. How the resort’s strategy evolved over the years as environmental pressures—and expectations—have intensified?
Renald Yude: Our strategy has grown from establishing basic systems to meet sustainability standards to actively leading them. Initially, we focused on building foundational systems for tracking energy, water, waste and setting clear policies. Over time, we strengthened benchmarking, implemented advanced efficiency measures and expanded waste reduction initiatives through the Eco-Center. Today, achieving Gold reflects our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation as we aim to be a Sustainability Leader in the Maldives.
With the opening of the new Eco-Centre, how has your ability to manage waste, composting, and recycling transformed, both operationally and environmentally?
Renald Yude: Running the Eco-Center has had multiple impacts both operationally and environmentally. Operationally, it centralizes all our composting of food waste, recycling of aluminum cans and plastic bottles and glass crushing. Environmentally, it has significantly reduced waste sent to landfill, lowered greenhouse gas emissions and provides nutrients for our organic garden with compost.
Gili Lankanfushi is well-known for its Coral Lines project. What are the most exciting findings or successes you’ve observed from your coral nursery work recently?
Renald Yude: One of the interesting things we have observed in the recent history of the lines (the last 1.5 years) is looking at which of our coral line species and transplants were bleached throughout the 2024 global mass bleaching. This was the fourth mass bleaching on record and while we did lose some coral and it can negatively impact the survival rate of our lines, we were able to determine which of the species we use seem to be more resilient to temperature. Lines of our Porites cylindrica for example were very resilient to the temperature changes, while coral lines made from species like Acropora humilis bleached at a far higher rate. Knowing which species are more resilient or susceptible to bleaching is vital to reef restoration and can provide us with great information on how best we should adapt our approaches in the future.
Your marine team monitors everything from sea surface temperatures to invasive Crown-of-Thorns starfish. What changes or trends are you seeing in the reef that visitors might not realise are happening beneath the surface?
Renald Yude: Similarly, many visitors to the Maldives are unaware of our recent ‘mass bleaching’. This was declared by NOAA in April 2024. Recovery from these mass bleaching events can take several years, depending on the species and the severity of the stress. Some corals bounce back quickly, while others may take 10 years or more to regain their former structure. One of the best ways people can help is by spreading awareness. The more guests share what they learn about the reefs here at Gili, the more global understanding and support our reefs receive.
How important is guest participation—through guided snorkels, coral adoption, or workshops—to the long-term success of reef restoration efforts?
Renald Yude: Guest participation plays a vital role in ensuring the long-term success of our reef restoration efforts, as it allows visitors to engage directly with the ecosystem they are helping to protect. By joining guided snorkels, adopting corals, or taking part in educational workshops, guests not only contribute hands-on support but also gain valuable knowledge about marine conservation. This experience empowers them to make positive choices during their stay and continue advocating for ocean health afterward. Our approach ensures that guests are not simply here for a holiday—they become an active part of meaningful action that protects and restores nature.
You’ve become a leading voice for seagrass conservation in the Maldives. Why do you describe seagrass as the “lungs of the sea,” and why is protecting these meadows so critical right now?
Renald Yude: Seagrass meadows oxygenate coastal waters, filter pollutants, stabilize sediments and provide nursery grounds for countless marine species, which is why we describe them as the “lungs of the sea”. These underwater meadows also sequerter carbon up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests, making them one of the planet’s most powerful natural climate solutions. Globally, we’re losing seagrass at alarming rates-around 7% every year. Protecting these ecosystem isn’t optional; it’s essential for safeguarding biodiversity, supporting fisheries, climate resilience and even sustaining the tourism that the Maldives depends on.
At the Seagrass Industry Leaders Circle launch event, you pledged to conserve 1,250 m² of seagrass—over 80% of your lagoon’s cover. What responsibilities come with a commitment of this scale?
Renald Yude: Committing to conserve 1,250 m² of seagrass—more than 80% of our lagoon’s meadow—means taking full responsibility for its protection and long-term resilience. At Gili Lankanfushi, this includes continuous monitoring, reducing physical impacts from marine activities, and integrating seagrass-friendly practices into our daily operations. It also means educating our guests and team, because many visitors come to the Maldives expecting only blue water and white sand, without realizing that seagrass is a crucial part of keeping these waters healthy and full of life. Raising this awareness is a key part of our role: helping people understand that protecting seagrass is essential for the future of our marine ecosystems. In addition, this commitment requires collaboration—sharing data with NGOs, government bodies, and other resorts to help build a national baseline for seagrass conservation. Ultimately, a pledge of this scale is about leadership: demonstrating that sustainable tourism and thriving seagrass meadows must go hand in hand for the future of the Maldives.
Seagrass stores carbon up to 35 times more efficiently than tropical rainforests. How does this fact reshape our understanding of blue-carbon ecosystems in the fight against global warming?
Renald Yude: The research behind seagrass and its importance highlights how some of the planet’s most powerful climate solutions are actually in our oceans and not just on land. Seagrass meadows quietly lock away carbon creating long-term, stable carbon sinks that are far less vulnerable to fires, storms, or deforestation compared to many terrestrial habitats. Understanding the carbon potential of seagrass helps the world see blue-carbon ecosystems not as simple coastal habitats, but as vital natural climate solutions that deserve urgent protection and conservation.
What have your monitoring surveys—tracking canopy height, algal cover, sediment types, and wildlife sightings—revealed about the current state of Gili’s seagrass meadows?
Renald Yude: Our monitoring surveys track indicators such as canopy height, algal cover, sediment composition, and wildlife sightings, and while the most recent data is still being analysed, one clear trend has emerged: Gili’s seagrass meadow continues to thrive and expand. Since we first pledged to protect our seagrass as part of the Maldives Resilient Reefs “Protect Maldives Seagrass” campaign, we’ve seen steady natural growth across the monitored area. This expansion is a strong sign of a healthy, stable meadow — one that is successfully supporting biodiversity, improving sediment stability, and providing critical nursery habitat for juvenile fish and invertebrates.
As a marine biologist, what concerns you most about the impact of global warming on the Maldives—particularly rising sea levels, coral bleaching events, and storm surges?
Renald Yude: As a marine biologist, I am deeply worried about the multiple and accelerating threats that climate change poses to the fragile ecosystems of the Maldives. Rising sea levels are especially concerning because these low-lying islands face continual flooding risks, which endanger human communities and disturb coastal habitats. Coral bleaching is another critical issue—higher sea temperatures cause corals to expel the algae that provide them with color and nutrients, resulting in widespread reef loss. This is particularly alarming because coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots and serve as natural barriers against coastal erosion. Additionally, stronger storm surges, driven by warming oceans, can severely impact both marine and terrestrial environments. Together, these pressures create a cascading effect: declining biodiversity, weakened coastal protection, and profound social and economic challenges for local populations.
Scientific models often predict that the Maldives could face severe challenges by the end of the century. From your expert viewpoint, what does the next 20–50 years realistically look like for low-lying island nations?
Renald Yude: Currently low-lying island nations like the Maldives are expected to face rising sea levels, more frequent flooding, and increased coastal erosion, all of which reduce natural land availability. Continued urbanisation and development on small islands may further weaken natural defences such as reefs, seagrass meadows and mangrove systems. Simultaneously, warmer ocean temperatures are likely to drive more regular coral bleaching events. Fortunately, the Maldives, like many other low-lying island nations are already working tirelessly to adapt to these challenges. Investment in ecosystem conservation, innovative land engineering and sustainable energy and waste management are critical to protecting island communities and preserving the natural systems that buffer them from climate impacts. The coming decades are expected to be affected by these challenges, but the outcome will also change with how effectively nations protect, restore and safeguard these natural resources.
Is it responsible to talk about tourism in the Maldives 50 years from now? What adaptation or mitigation strategies give you hope for long-term environmental and economic resilience?
Renald Yude: Talking about tourism in the Maldives 50 years from now is not only responsible—it’s essential. The future of the islands depends on how well we balance economic development with environmental stewardship today. What gives me hope are the strategies being put into practice to ensure long-term resilience. On one hand, ecosystem-based solutions like coral reef and seagrass restoration, mangrove protection, and climate-adaptive infrastructure help safeguard nature from rising seas and extreme weather. On the other, sustainable tourism practices—such as reducing carbon emissions, promoting guest participation in conservation, and supporting local communities—demonstrate that the tourism industry can thrive while protecting the environment. Equally important is investing in the next generation: supporting environmental awareness programs for local students ensures that young Maldivians grow up with the knowledge and passion to protect their islands. Together, these efforts give me confidence that the Maldives can remain both ecologically healthy and economically vibrant for decades to come.
How do Gili Lankanfushi’s conservation efforts—whether protecting seagrass, restoring coral, or reducing waste—contribute to island resilience in the face of climate change?
Renald Yude: Our conservation efforts on three key areas, each strengthening the island’s resilience to climate change:
- Protecting seagrass meadows preserves vital carbon sinks and stabilises the seabed, helping to prevent coastal erosion and maintain healthy waters.
- Restoring coral reefs supports biodiversity and creates natural breakwaters that reduce the impact of waves and storm surges, protecting the shoreline and surrounding marine habitats.
- Reducing waste—through minimising plastics, recycling, and efficient resource management—lowers our environmental impact and helps the island operate sustainably.
You collaborate with respected conservation partners like the Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project. How do these partnerships elevate your work and expand your impact beyond the resort’s lagoon?
Renald Yude: Partnering with the Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project greatly strengthens our conservation work. The Manta Trust provides scientific guidance and supports our effort to track manta populations around our area. The Olive Ridley Project supports turtle rehabilitation and monitoring. Through these collaborations, we are able to share data more effectively, contribute to national and global research networks, and ensure that our findings have a broader scientific impact.
With 17 resorts joining the Seagrass Industry Leaders Circle, do you feel that the Maldives is entering a new era of collaborative marine conservation?
Renald Yude: Yes, absolutely. This marks the beginning of a collective movement to promote seagrass protection in the Maldives. Collaboration means shared data, greater awareness and stronger advocacy. It also signals that the Maldives can lead the world in marine conservation-through partnership, not competition.
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