As the demand for sustainable tourism picks up all over the world, some destinations are going a step ahead and inviting travellers to gain hands-on experiences by participating in sustainable activities themselves.

Eco-tourism is growing in popularity and a trip to the Maldives allows visitors to get in touch with nature and as a tourist, also enables the to make a positive impact by participating in sustainable activities. According to a press statement, there are many options for a meaningful and sustainable travel to Maldives and goes on to list some of these experiences.

Support Coral Restoration Efforts

The Maldives is a unique and a fascinating destination, in particular because of one of the protagonists of its ocean, the coral. As Maldives welcomes an increasing number of tourists every year, it has become extremely vital to preserve the coral reefs and to create and encourage a responsible kind of tourism.

Across the destination, a number of coral restoration initiatives are in place to rebuild and protect coral reefs, which are important ecosystems that provide habitat and food for many marine species. Tourists can also participate in these efforts as part of sustainable tourism.

This can involve activities such as planting and tending to baby coral, monitoring the health of coral reefs, and educating others about the importance of coral conservation. By participating in these initiatives, tourists can help to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of the Maldives for future generations, says the statement issued by Maldives Marketing and Public Relations Company (MMPRC).

The statement adds that for instance, with an aim to help the future of coral reefs, Diamond Resorts partnered with the Bicocca University of Milan to conserve and protect the marine life around the resort. Their Coral Conservation Project allows visitors to interact with Marine Biologists and help to conserve the corals by adopting a frame to actively participate in the conservation project.

Several other resorts, such as Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, have coral propagation programmes where visitors may adopt a frame and watch their corals take shape over months. The frames are designed and created on a nearby local island, Baa Fulidhoo, providing employment and skills development to the local populace and further improving the sustainable nature of the eco-conservation project.

Help Protect Marine Animals

Tourists can play a vital role in the protection of Maldives’ marine animals. Many resorts in the south island nation offer ecotourism programmes that allow visitors to learn about and get involved in conservation efforts. One can also support the protection of sea turtles and whale sharks by choosing to stay at eco-friendly resorts and by being mindful of the impact on the environment during the travel.

Local and international NGOs working in the Maldives for the protection and conservation of marine animals have clear guidelines on how to encounter turtles, whale sharks and Manta Rays responsibly. As a responsible tourist, as we enter the water for an encounter, we must acknowledge that we are entering their home, says the statement, adding that as precious as the experience is, it is one that we must take with absolute care and concern. The experience is not worth it if it leaves a negative impact on the marine animals.

Then, the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), a multiple award-winning marine conservation initiative based at Six Senses Laamu, is one of the largest resort-based marine biology teams in the nation. The MUI team consists of Six Senses Laamu marine biologists as well as three partner NGOs, the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and the Olive Ridley Project, all of whom work together to protect Laamu’s marine.

The MUI team offers a range of activities visitors can join. These include nightly presentations on different marine conservation-related topics, a weekly reef clean, guided snorkels on the house reef, seagrass meadows and reefs across the atoll, dolphin cruises, kids club activities and scuba diving with a marine biologist.

Partake in Ecotourism Activities

A number of ecotourism activities are offered by various resorts and tour operators in the Maldives, such as guided snorkelling tours, beach clean-ups, among others. Tourists can participate in these activities to learn more about the local environment and contribute to conservation efforts. This also offers the opportunity for the visitors to visit local islands and witness the way of life of locals. While you are visiting these islands, support local businesses by purchasing souvenirs that are locally produced, another easy way of helping our sustainability cause.

Some resorts in the Maldives offer activities driven by recycling programmes for tourists to take part in. The items used in these activities are usually old items that would otherwise go into a waste bin. These types of initiatives help reduce waste, recycle and upcycle discarded products, while offering a way for tourists to engage in fun and creative activities, says the statement.