The Maldives did not see a significant number of visitors until the 1970s, but that has since changed. Since 2007, the Maldives have welcomed more than eight million tourists, and the tourism sector is now responsible for contributing 28 percent of the country’s gross domestic product.
Many of the roughly 100 hotel resorts are making significant changes to become more sustainable, reduce the amount of plastic waste, and assist marine ecosystems in an effort to mitigate the environmental damage caused by almost a decade of high tourism. This effort was made in an effort to reduce the amount of harmful effects that high tourism has had on the environment. The visitors are being invited to participate in the preservation of the islands and reefs so that they may be enjoyed by future generations.
Are there recycling centers on the islands?
Plastic contributes to a multitude of environmental difficulties, including its presence in the water, pollution of beaches, and fragmentation in marine creatures’ digestive systems. Several island hotels recycle plastic to minimize waste. Furaveri Island Resort & Spa’s water bottling factory has been producing for two years. 360 tons of recycled glass bottles are stored at the mill and used to stock hotel restaurants and guest rooms. Next, smaller glass bottles will be used, however consumers may still bring plastic water bottles on excursions. Customers may, however.
The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island will turn its plastic trash into tote bags beginning in summer 2019. This starts on the island. Then, they’re sold to tourists, whose purchases help the Parley Global Clean Up Network eliminate all plastic trash from the ocean. Conrad Maldives has pledged to abolish single-use plastics by 2020.
The preservation of coral reefs
Coral bleaching, when coral polyps expel algae from their tissues in response to increasing ocean temperatures, devastated Maldives reefs in 2015 and 2016. As a result, coral becomes white and many species starve.
More than 60% of the Maldives’ coral has been bleached, yet the reefs may recover. Maldives’ efforts to conserve coral reefs have caused this in certain areas. The Conrad Maldives resort has deployed hundreds of coral frames to safeguard coral reefs long-term. Live coral is attached to a metal frame to make these frames. Coral will heal, breed, and spread in four to five years. This will create new habitats for marine life.
The protection of aquatic life
In order to fulfill their mandate of preserving fish populations and reefs, the marine reserves in the Maldives place stringent restrictions on reef fishing.
Not all Indian Ocean nations have strong fishing rules. The strong current brings fishing nets to the Maldives, where they entangle dolphins, green turtles, and hawksbill turtles. These are called “ghost nets.”
Maldives has various turtle rescue facilities. Oliver Ridley Project and Coco Collection inaugurated the Baa Atoll Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in February 2017. This first-of-its-kind facility in the Maldives saves sick sea turtles. It has a lab, x-ray, ultrasound, comprehensive surgical capabilities, and a full-time turtle veterinarian to preserve sea turtles. The Turtle Rescue Center can treat eight patients at once.
Actions That Could Be Taken
Coco Bodu Hithi Resort guests may “adopt” a turtle to support the Oliver Ridley Project. We met Monty while diving on the reef. When snorkeling, one may get up up and personal with beautiful species, highlighting the need of responsible tourism.
In addition to volunteering for the Oliver Ridley Project, Maldives visitors should immerse themselves in the culture. Knowing the people is a great way to learn about the significance of preserving reefs and islands.
During your stay at Furaveri, Coco Bodu Hithi, or the Conrad Maldives, you may get to mingle with locals and visit the island. During our stay in Furaveri, we made a day excursion to dordle the neighboring island of Fainu. There, we watched how citizens concerned about tourism’s environmental effect collected signatures to oppose an airport.
Why Should You Plan a Trip to Helsinki in the Spring?
Springtime in Helsinki is short and preceded by clear skies. This time is only long enough for the city to replant its vast green parks and the trees to develop leaves. This time of year is beautiful in Central Park, just outside downtown. Temperatures are rising beyond 10 C (50 F)
On May 1, Finland, including Helsinki, celebrates Vappu. Students and alumni commemorate Saint Labor Day by wearing white student caps and blowing whistles. They wear baubles while sipping non-alcoholic Sima (Mead) and eat Finnish fritters on May Day.
In early June, it may seem like Rio. The city celebrates Carnaval with a samba parade, dancers, and Brazilian-style music. Helsinki-paiva is 6/12. (Helsinki Day). If you’re there during this time, expect music, plays, exhibitions, tours, and tea with the mayor. At the beginning of June, it can bring to mind Rio de Janeiro. Carnaval is celebrated in the city with a samba parade, Brazilian-style dancers, and music that is in the Brazilian style.
Attractions & Activities Available in Helsinki
The months of July and August, which make up the summer in Helsinki, are the busiest months for tourists. The temperature may reach a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit), the café culture is at its pinnacle, and the beaches and parks are crawling with people.
The sun goes down quite late at this time of year, which often lasts for two months. Even as the day progresses into night and then into morning, the colors do not alter all that dramatically. When trees shed their “ruska” leaves in September, autumnal reds, browns, and yellows appear for 90 days.
