Recently declared in Parliament as ‘the most important issue of our time’, climate change awareness has made companies around the globe step up and honour their responsibility to protect the environment for future generations.
One such example is international investment firm Meridian Capital Limited. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Meridian Capital has a diversified investment portfolio spanning consumer goods, real estate, hospitality, infrastructure and natural resources. Their latest project is supporting the development of Waisai, a small town in Indonesia’s Raja Ampat islands, into a premier diving destination.
Raja Ampat is one of Indonesia’s most captivating cruising grounds and boasts the finest waters and most abundant marine life in the region. Scientists have hailed the islands as the most biodiverse marine habitat on the planet and, in a highly competitive field, named Raja Ampat the most beautiful island chain in all of South East Asia.
Seventy five per cent of the world’s coral species are found in the waters surrounding Raja Ampat and thus its care and maintenance will be critical for the future of marine life. Meridian Capital is working to preserve this unique reef through its operations at Meridian Adventure Marina Club and Dive Resort, working with the local community to protect their environment.
The five-star PADI boutique dive hotel emphasises both Meridian Capital’s professionalism and eye for quality, but this is also paired with clear social responsibility. The firm works with the people of Waisai, including through homestay vacations, to develop the local economy and provide opportunities for development.
‘Our individual passion for the ocean at Meridian Capital Limited has seen us invest in businesses that allow guests to explore some of the most beautiful and untouched locations that few people have visited. We believe that if people get the chance to see the ocean as it should be, it is a compelling reason to protect and preserve its beauty.” Yevgeniy Feld, Principal at Meridian Capital Limited. “Indonesia sits in an interesting space having incredible ocean diversity in some areas and being highly affected by ocean debris and pollution in other areas at the same time. As such, it is key we act to protect where we can. Raja Ampat, where Meridian Adventure is based, offers limited infrastructure for large scale programs and as such we have worked with our employees and the local community to champion sustainable tourism and ocean conservation leaving a limited footprint where we and our guests travel.’
It is refreshing to see that amongst Meridian Capital’s diverse range of investment projects, they are holding their environmental responsibilities to a high standard.