Maldives Our Unique Environment : Maldives  

Maldives Our Unique Environment - Travel guide

Maldives

Our Unique Environment

Maldives - Our Unique Environment

Dots of green land encircled by necklaces of white sand scattered in a corner of the seemingly endless blue expanse of the Indian Ocean – these are the islands of Maldives. Many visitors see the blue, white and green of the Maldives as the last paradise on earth. Over the last thirty years these islands have made their mark in the world tourism market and set new standards for sustainable tourism development. Read to find out why the paradise is threatened and how you can help save the last paradise

An Endangered Nation

Maldives is truly a pleasure to gaze upon with small beautiful islands and rich diverse ecosystems. Maldives is said to have the greatest coral diversity of reefs in the western Indian Ocean and is one of the most species rich marine areas in the world. Many species listed as globally threatened or endangered have been recorded in the Maldives. The reefs of the Maldives are the 7th largest in the world in terms of area covered and contribute up to 5% of the world’s reef area. Atoll lagoons contain a variety of reef structures including faros, microatolls, patch reefs and knolls. The formation of faros is virtually unique to the Maldives.

Over the last thirty years these islands have made their mark in the world tourism market and set new standards for sustainable tourism development. Besides obtaining world-wide recognition for the sun, sand and sea holidays that it offers, Maldives has also made a special case of its plight in the face of global environmental change.

Higher global sea levels are projected because of a rise in the mean surface temperature of the earth between 0.3 and 0.6oC since the late nineteenth century and a continuing warming trend. While scientists are still uncertain how much sea levels might rise, the projections indicate to a rise of sea level by 0.09 to 0.88 metres between 1990 and 2100.

With more than 80% of the land area of the Maldives less than a meter above mean sea level, the slightest rise in sea level will prove extremely threatening. Many islands already suffer inundation and shoreline erosion. The magnitude of the projected sea level rise threatens the very existence of life in Maldives. A nation is truly endangered.

Maldives is not only vulnerable to the forces of the seas, it is now bracing against the gathering forces of globalisation and graduation to a medium-developed country which threaten to alter the economy dramatically and hamper efforts to promote sustainable development.

There is growing concern that Maldives does not have sufficient time or resources to reinvent its economy in the face of globalisation and economic graduation before suffering a sharp economic downturn. Tighter national budgets, it is feared, will inevitably lead to fewer available resources for programmes to protect the environment and promote social development.
We are taking action!

In the face of change and shocks, we are doing what we can to build resilience and foster adaptation. Given the seriousness of the threat posed by climate change particular attention is given to coastal protection, freshwater management and coral reef protection. Breakwaters and seawalls have been constructed around the capital Male’, costing around 50 million US Dollars. Coral mining from house reefs of inhabited islands and resorts is banned.

Maldives is also cognisant of the need to conserve biological diversity. Recognising importance of protecting the marine ecosystems in the Maldives,

25 sites have been designated by the Government as protected areas. The harvesting and export of turtles, black coral, dolphins, pearl oysters, stony corals, eels, parrot fish, whales and whale sharks, skates and rays, trochus shells, and triton shells are banned.

Tourism development in the Maldives continues to set new high standards for the global tourism industry. We are now able to sell a premium tourism product in the environmentally conscious high-end tourist market. Maldivian resorts are renowned for their environmental caring and resorts frequently win international awards and accolades. The tourists who come to Maldives themselves act as stewards of the environment. And we highly appreciate that.

Unfortunately, because of smallness, isolation of our islands and vulnerability to sea level rise and economic shocks, the problems we face become particularly challenging and often call for solutions that are well beyond our means.

We will not be able to save ourselves on our own. United action is needed. Most importantly, you can do something about it.

What you can do

We are taking action worldwide to bring attention to the plight of the last paradise on earth. We are approaching governments and asking them to live up to their commitment to save the world's climate system, stop loss of biological diversity and encourage sustainable trade. But alone – our voice is too soft. We need you to join in our efforts and we need your help to carry our voices to your governments and businesses to act.

Please reduce your energy consumption as it is the easiest and most effective way to contribute to curb global warming. Turn down the temperature on your refrigerator, washing machine and water heater. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs - they use one fourth of the energy of conventional light bulbs. Insulate your home to ensure that heat or air conditioning is not escaping through windows and cracks. Walk, bike or use public transportation whenever possible. Purchase efficient showerheads and appliances that are the most energy efficient models.

You can help begin the transition away from fossil fuels by using renewable energy. You may be able to purchase green energy from a local green power company. If such energy is not available, consider purchasing systems such as solar photovoltaic for your home or business. Do join campaigns designed to help bring clean energy to the two million people who live without power. You can also support the Clean Development Mechanism by approaching governments and businesses to invest in clean energy in developing countries like the Maldives.

You could help in our efforts to conserve biodiversity by not buying any products of endangered animals or plants, particularly not buying jewellery or ornaments made of turtle shell. In snorkelling and diving appreciate the richness and beauty of the coral reefs and the sea that surround us and do not engage in any damaging activities. Multiply the message of conservation through wearing T-shirts, and badges with conservation symbols and slogans. You can also assist and participate in our efforts to catalogue and preserve the biodiversity we have.

You can help save the last paradise

Now that you know a little bit more about the peculiar environmental vulnerabilities of the last paradise on earth, take a second look and see the fragility of our existence. And think about us – the people of Maldives. This is our home.

We welcome you to our home with open hearts. Enjoy the bounty that nature has given us. But remember - do not harm our fragile existence by your actions. And when you go home – do not forget us. Think of how your decisions can affect the global environment and impact on our little islands. And most importantly, take our message to your friends and families, your corporations and governments. Make our voice heard.