How to Travel Sustainably in the Maldives
The Maldives is a country with an economy largely dependent on tourism. On the other hand, its ecosystem is highly vulnerable. Due to these reasons, Maldivian tourism officials are also now highlighting the sustainability aspect of tourism more than ever, which is why there are many sustainability guidelines that tourists should adhere to.Follow the following tips, and get ready to become a responsible traveller when travelling to the Maldives.
The Maldives
The Maldives is a popular tourist destination because of its stunning beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and abundant marine life. Travellers from all over the world are delighted by the Maldives' abundance of luxurious hotels, mosques, memorial statues, and many more.
Image via Anantara Veli Maldives Resort
Sustainable tourism in the Maldives
In the Maldives, resorts and hotels are embracing sustainable practices like purifying water, employing solar power, and cutting back on plastic usage. Properties such as Anantara Veli Maldives Resort are constantly engaged in restoring coral reefs and safeguarding vulnerable species like sea turtles. Also, every water villa with a pool in Maldives is a part of marine conservation initiatives which is a fact to be appreciated.
Plastic usage
To preserve the Maldives' delicate ecosystem, travellers must use less plastic. Travellers should pack reusable items like shopping bags, straws, and water bottles to reduce the amount of plastic waste they produce. By doing this, the need for single-use plastics (a major source of pollution) is reduced. Choose products with minimal packaging and politely decline plastic bags and straws offered by vendors when you are in the Maldives. This is the first step in becoming a responsible, sustainable traveller.
Conservation matters!
Conserve more and more water, and conserve energy too when you are in the Maldives. When taking a shower, make sure you don't waste water, and save energy when you are using lights and air conditioners. Reuse towels and bed liners if possible. And to reduce the carbon footprint, it's always recommended to use public transportation when in the Maldives. You may use bicycles or public ferries to go here and there, but not speedboats and seaplanes.
Strengthen the local communities
You are already aware that the Maldives is a country that mainly depends on the tourism industry. So, almost every local family is directly or indirectly involved in this industry. So, when shopping for souvenirs and local dishes, make sure you buy them from the local communities. Especially if you are looking for some arts and crafts, the local communities have the best versions of them!
Do not cause harm to the marine life
One of the best things to do in the Maldives is snorkelling. You don't need to have prior experience to try out snorkelling in the Maldives, but you need to follow all instructions given by the instructor. Be a responsible snorkeller by not stepping on coral reefs and, keep in mind that you are not allowed to disturb the marine creatures at any instance. You are just a guest for them, it's their habitat. So you don't possess any right to cause harm to them.
Be a volunteer
Did you know that there are a lot of conservation programs launched in the Maldives? The best thing is that even the tourists can take part in them as volunteers. Take part in the beach cleanups and wildlife monitoring programs and if possible donate to the local NGOs working on worthy causes to protect the environment.
Follow the right garbage disposal methods
Recycling is a new trend that the Maldivians are getting used to nowadays. Also, do not overconsume anything when in the Maldives, as you can reduce a lot of waste through this tip.
