The Cocoon Foundation: Committed to Communities and Conservation of the Maldives
Lhaviyani Atoll School Students Visit
Maldives, April 2025 – The Cocoon Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Cocoon Collection, is deeply rooted in the heart of the Maldives, with its mission firmly on improving and enhancing the quality of life for local communities, particularly in the atolls of Lhaviyani and Raa, where the Cocoon Maldives and You & Me Maldives resorts are located. Focussing on economic, educational and environmental sustainability, the Foundation is committed to creating a lasting impact, offering growth opportunities and contributing to the protection of the environment.
A central aspect of Cocoon Foundation’s mission is to empower young people, who are considered the key to a more prosperous future. Through training programs, mentorships and educational visits, the Foundation offers local youth the opportunity to discover the world of hospitality and acquire concrete professional skills. Projects such as the visit of R. Ungoofaaru’s students to You & Me Maldives and the youth leadership sessions at Lh. Kurendhoo represent a unique opportunity to engage with the tourism industry, understand the dynamics of a luxury resort and develop key skills such as teamwork and communication.
Olhuvelifushi School Visit
But the Cocoon Foundation’s commitment does not stop at education: environmental protection and sustainability are fundamental pillars of its activity. Respect and conservation of the ecosystems of the Maldives are at the heart of numerous initiatives, including the restoration of coral reefs, the creation of marine protected areas and the adoption of sustainable fishing practices. The Foundation has also launched renewable energy projects, investing in solutions such as solar energy to reduce the environmental impact of the resorts. The issue of water management is also a priority, with initiatives that promote water recycling and the use of desalination plants to ensure responsible consumption of water resources.
Maakurath School Library
As evidence of this commitment, events such as the celebration of World Environment Day with tree planting and island clean-ups at Olhuvelifushi demonstrate how active community participation is essential to preserving the fragile natural balance of the Maldives. Resort guests can also make a concrete contribution by participating in eco-tourism experiences, reducing plastic consumption and supporting marine conservation initiatives.
Looking to the future, the Cocoon Foundation aims to expand its reach with new marine conservation areas, investments in sustainable technologies and local entrepreneurship initiatives, so that communities can develop autonomously and sustainably.
Attilio Azzola, Founder and Corporate Sales Manager of The Cocoon Collection, said: "Our goal is to create concrete opportunities for everyone, enhancing the potential of people and local communities. We firmly believe that progress must be inclusive and sustainable, which is why the Cocoon Foundation's projects do not limit themselves to providing immediate support, but aim to build a more solid and conscious future for the Maldives. Through training and mentorship programs, we want to give young people concrete tools to grow professionally and personally, offering them the opportunity to discover the dynamics of a strategic sector such as hospitality. We are convinced that education is the key to lasting development and for this reason we invest in initiatives that can really make a difference in the lives of new generations."