How to Travel Sustainably in the Maldives

The Maldives is a popular destination for beach holiday lovers, but it has been facing the threat of submersion due to global warming for decades. Therefore, tourists should not take sustainable travel practices lightly when visiting the Maldives. It is crucial to preserve the environment and support local communities on the islands. To make your carbon footprint lighter during your Maldivian vacation, consider implementing some practical ways.

Stay at an Eco-Friendly Resort

One of the easiest ways to make sustainability a core focus of a Maldivian holiday is to choose an eco-friendly luxury resort in the Maldives. Choosing accommodations certified by sustainability authorities like Green Globe is essential in minimizing the environmental impact of tourism on paradise islands, where holidaymakers spend the majority of their time. Whether it's The Nautilus Maldives or another popular resort, it's crucial to assess the venue's in-house waste management system, sustainable practices, and overall environmental policies and awareness.

Scuba Dive Responsibly

As one of the main reasons that water sports lovers and marine life enthusiasts head to the Maldives in the first place, scuba diving is an activity that nearly every visitor will enjoy during a trip to the islands. Although diving is not a harmful activity for the marine ecosystems of the Maldives, those who engage in irresponsible behaviour during diving sessions can cause irreparable harm. This is why it's crucial to avoid physical contact with coral reefs and marine life during a diving excursion while wearing sunscreen (non-reef-safe) that possesses certain chemicals when diving can also negatively impact the Maldivian sea bed and the creatures that call it home.

Take Part in Conservation Activities

Coral planting is one of the many conservation and environmental initiatives that tourists can take part in during a vacation in the country. Accessible through local resorts in collaboration with conservation projects and independent organisations, there's more than one way to make a positive impact on the Maldivian environment and marine life heritage. Additionally, visitors can contribute to beach clean-up efforts and support local conservation projects, fostering a sense of responsibility and active participation in preserving the natural beauty of the Maldives for future generations.

Give Back to the Locals

Supporting local businesses is another practical way to make a meaningful contribution to the Maldives and sustain its communities. The Maldives is a tourism-oriented nation, and most locals are employed in tourist sector occupations and businesses, some of which they manage as entrepreneurs. This is why it's important to choose local tour operators, dive shops, water sports gear rentals and cafes during a Maldivian holiday. Buying souvenirs made by local artists and artisans instead of choosing key chains and other trinkets made in China is another way to help Maldivian families and communities. Some of the best locally owned and run souvenir hubs in Male, for example, include the Oevaali Art Shop while the Randhaa Surf Shop on Thulusdhoo Island is another local business that's worth supporting.

Donate to Local and International Non-Profits

While splurging on island hopping excursions and sailing expeditions are part and parcel of a vacation in the Maldives, visitors should also consider contributing to local and global non-profits working in the country. The Maldivian Whale Shark Research Centre and the Maldivian Manta Ray Project are two such initiatives that are making real changes with their conservation activities while the Maldives Coral Institute and Save the Beach Maldives are other organisations working towards safeguarding the biodiversity of the islands.

Use Eco-Friendly Products

It's equally important to use only eco-friendly cosmetic products during a trip to the Maldives as even something as simple as shampoo, body wash and face wash with microbeads can harm marine creatures in the Maldives. Microbeads, which are found in countless beauty products, are often ingested by fish species so it's crucial to pack only environmentally safe products for the trip.