How to Plan an Eco-Friendly Trip to the Maldives

The Maldives is a tropical paradise that is a very popular tourist destination. With over a thousand islands and having a low-lying nature and sandy beaches, it is very susceptible to the looming threat of rising sea levels caused by global warming. Doing your part as a tourist is equally as important in helping the Maldives overcome the challenges they face as a country. Let us take a look at a few things to remember on how to ensure that your trip to the Maldives is an Eco-Friendly one.

Choosing an Eco-Friendly Environment to Stay At

The Maldives takes high regard for sustainable tourism and so many of their resorts incorporate these practices into their properties. If you are looking to reduce your carbon footprint and you are looking for the best place to stay in Maldives then you should look into staying at Adaaran Club Rannalhi which has implemented many sustainable practices such as having built an in-house water bottling plant which effectively reduces the amount of single-use water bottles on their property. They have also incorporated a wet garbage digester machine which helps with efficient waste management and also helps with fertiliser for their in-house vegetable garden. Their resort and rooms come equipped with all the modern amenities, complimentary snorkelling gear and some excursions so that you can enjoy your time well. These simple but effective sustainable measures not only make their resort an eco-friendly one but also make sure you have a great time too.

Preserve the Environment

With the Maldives having a delicate ecosystem for its land and surrounding oceans, it is important as a traveller to be responsible and do your duty to preserve its precious environment. Dispose of litter responsibly and follow the principles of reducing, reusing, and recycling whenever possible. When snorkelling, diving or doing other such marine activities it is important to avoid touching or disturbing the marine life and never break coral. Do not dump any garbage into the sea as it poses a grave threat to the ocean, marine life and coral reefs.

Say No to Plastic

There are many ways that you can reduce your plastic usage, such as carrying your own water bottle, which you can refill instead of opting for a single use water bottle that you would end up throwing away after drinking. You can fill your own water bottle up before heading out for the day to avoid buying multiple plastic water bottles a day. Use bamboo or metal straws as an alternative to plastic straws, or in cases that alternatives are not available you can choose to drink straw-less. Avoid using plastic bags and instead opt to use paper bags or carry a tote bag that is made of cloth and is reusable and makes for a trendy and cute addition to your look.

Supporting Local Businesses and Organisations

Supporting local businesses and artisans by purchasing ethically sourced souvenirs and handicrafts is another way to be mindful of the environment. Look out for locally made products that have been sustainably made. Avoid buying items that exploit natural resources or harm marine and coral life. There are many not-for-profit conservation organisations that you can support in your sustainable travel efforts. These organisations follow various different aspects of conservation such as the Whale Shark Research Centre, Maldives Coral Institute and the Manta Ray Project which are involved in research in their respective fields. When you support local communities with your purchases you are helping the local communities sustain themselves and make a livelihood as well as taking home a memory of your trip knowing you made a difference.