Fortieth Anniversary of Earth Day

Photo: Alila Villas Hadahaa - the first green globe certified resort in the Maldives

Earth day was established in 1970 to create awareness of the Earth’s delicate environment and develop a sustainable environment for the future generations. Today over 190 countries and 1 billion people participate in events on April 22. Many extend it to an entire week with dedicated activities focused on environmental issues.

Organizations such as the CNN International will premier two environmental programs, “The Special Debate for Earth’s Frontiers: The future of energy” and “Green Light for Business” focusing on the impact of businesses on the natural world. The Special debate: for Earth’s Frontiers will feature a panel of experts such as the President of Maldives, winner of 09 Anna Lindh Prize dubbed Time Magazines’ Hero of the Environment, Mohamed Nasheed; Academy Award winning director James Cameron; Chinese Director of Climate group Changhua Wu and Chairman & CEO of PUMA, Jochen Zeitz.

Maldives being a low-lying nation, it is threatened to become extinct under the rising seas due the effects of climate change. This beautiful island chain has now become a voice to other such nations and continues to bring a global light into this issue from hosting the ‘under water cabinet meeting’ last year to vowing to become the first carbon neutral nation by 2020. This year, activities such as Plankton Presentations and Reef Clean ups will be held in the local islands as well as resorts.

We invite you to peruse through earthday.org to view earth day events near you.

Areca Nuts | the Chew of Maldives

A slice of Areca nut

Areca nuts, often erroneously referred as the betel nuts are widely used as a mint after meals and holds a distinct history in Maldives.

According to historians and travelers like François Pyrard de Laval, areca nuts were deeply embedded into the Maldivian culture. The early Maldivians used a girdle on their waist in which they kept a good supply of areca nuts and it was customary that when they meet each other on the road, may it be a friend or stranger to offer his own betel nuts. It was also bestowed as a royal gift and offered to the person who proposes for marriage as a gift of approval.

Such traditions have changed over time but the areca nut continues to dominate the ‘chewing culture’ in the Maldives. It is now offered in almost all cafés, restaurants and shops in Maldives, in different forms with fixings like betel leaf, cloves and lime. Some modern innovations of the areca nut includes the ‘Kill’ a finely ground mixture of areca nuts, betel leaves, cardamon, sugar and cloves. Another form is ‘Supari’ a sweet flavored betel nut chunks in small sachets imported from India.

When consumed in small amounts, betel nuts can have health benefits such as prevention from tooth decay, digestive problems and healing of skin. It also helps remove strong food odors and prevent from bad breathes. Resorts like Alila Villas Hadahaa offers you to experience the areca nut after meals.