Five Ways to Travel More Consciously in the Maldives
Take only memories, leave only footprints
Synonymous to paradise, the Maldives is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the world. Fringed with sugary white sand, glistening blue waters and tranquil greenery, this beautiful location faces the consequences of tourism. The Maldives has three UNESCO World Heritage Biosphere Reserves and it’s important to care about our impact on this underwater ecosystem, protecting it so that it’s natural beauty can be experienced for generations to come.
Respect the reef
The Maldives is made up of 26 atolls, which are ring-shaped coral reefs. Home to some of the most kaleidoscopic, vibrant coral in the world and mineral rich waters that nourish the unique tropical marine life, it’s important to protect this incredible underwater ecosystem. Making simple but effective changes can have a larger affect than we realise, like using a reef safe sunscreen that won’t harm the aquatic life. When swimming with the stunning marine life in their natural habitat, though tempting to reach out and touch, it’s important to marvel with our eyes only. Be sure to respect their space by having a no physical contact to avoid destroying them and causing injury to yourself. Remember, we are in their natural habitat and just as you would want your house guests to respect your home, so do our stunning aquatic friends.
Support local and sustainable businesses
Touring the Maldives is a wonderful experience that helps you learn about Maldivian cultural heritage, traditional practices and observe their daily lifestyle. When choosing a tour company, avoid the tourist-traps and support eco-friendly tour operators, some of whom donate part of their prophets to conservation efforts. Instead of the commercialized attractions and big corporations, have an authentic and wholesome cultural experience by supporting local businesses. By choosing to shop and tour with local businesses, you ensure that the community benefits from your visit to the Maldives.
Minimize waste
Take only memories and leave only footprints when you visit the pristine island nation of the Maldives. Minimize waste and make a conscious effort to reduce any further creation of litter by bringing reusable items like your own water bottle, shopping bags, plastic utensils and straws, instead of purchasing single-use plastics that destroy the environment. Choose reef-safe sunscreens that won’t harm the coral and disrupt the marine ecosystem with its chemical ingredients. Be water-wise by conserving freshwater which is limited on the islands. You can practice this by taking shorter showers and turning off the tap when you’re not using it. Enjoy everything the Maldives has to offer you by minimizing waste and leaving no trace behind.
Get involved
Participate in marine conservation activities like coral planting, reef monitoring and turtle conservation programs. There are plenty of reef restoration projects in the Maldives that you can choose to donate towards, investing in the future of our environment, or join in the fun by participating in restorative practices. Our worlds ecosystems may be unique to each other, but there’s no doubt they have a ripple effect on one another. Without a healthy and thriving coral reef, there would be no nutrient rich water which would eliminate the incredible sea animals that it attracts for nourishment. In turn, the presence of birds would be fewer and different, which would impact the type of vegetation and other animals that inhabit the islands. There’s great importance in conservation and ensuring our ecosystems are thriving so we can marvel at our natural world whilst nurturing it.
Give back on your next My Maldives holiday
When travelling to the Maldives, it is part of your responsibility to make sustainable choices that preserve the natural wonder and unique wildlife of the islands. Luckily, this isn’t hard to do. By simply following the above recommendations, you can trust that you’re doing your part to keep the Maldives beautiful for generations to come.
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