The Maldives is a tropical paradise wearing the crown in the world of South Asian travel – a fact that wouldn’t come as a surprise if you yourself have been to the country. An archipelago of over 1,000 islands, the Maldives has been making travellers giddy with delight ever since it came out of its shadows a few decades ago. Compared to other travel destinations in the region that have been attracting travellers longer than the Maldives has, the natural environment here is facing challenges. It’s bad news for everyone – travellers, businesses, resorts, and of course, the country itself. The Maldives’ coral gardens are a major part of its allure as a travel destination. However, they’re as fragile as they’re beautiful. Now that it has come to a point where turning a blind eye is no longer an option, it’s time to take a step back and understand why it’s happening and what can be done to stop it.
More importantly, as a traveller who would no doubt want the Maldives to remain as beautiful as it still is, what can you do to protect the coral kingdoms of the Maldives? Lots! Fortunately for you, in the Maldives, 5 star hotels are at the helm of the coral conservation efforts. So, even if you can’t actively participate in the efforts yourself, staying at a place that takes sustainability seriously, and not just as a marketing tactic, can help save the corals. Some options to consider include Hard Rock Hotel Maldives.
Coral Reefs in the Maldives
The Maldives is home to some of the most beautiful coral reefs you’ll find anywhere in the world. These natural creations are a true wonder to behold. Divers and snorkellers spend hours in the water relishing the beautiful marine world created by these coral gardens.
So, how are these reefs made? They are formed by millions of coral polyps that secrete calcium carbonate, creating hard structures similar to rocks. Over time, these structures build up to create the intricate coral reefs you see underwater. Fascinating, isn’t it?
The coral reefs in the Maldives are particularly special because they’re home to a diversity of coral species, fish, and other forms of marine life.
How Do Coral Reefs Help the Maldives?
Coral reefs in the Maldives are gorgeous, but they’re not just a pretty face; they help the Maldives in more than one way.
- The Maldives is a collection of islands surrounded by the ocean. Coral reefs protect the country by acting as barriers that neutralise the full force of waves and storms. This is particularly important because the Maldives is a low-lying nation and therefore susceptible to erosion and flooding.
- Coral reefs also support marine life. If you’ve been fortunate enough to dive or snorkel in the Maldives, you know that the Maldives is blessed with diverse marine life, including whale sharks, manta rays, turtles, and various other tropical fish. Fish are important for the local economy. If you didn’t already know, fish forms an important part of the local diet.
- Last but not least, corals are a major draw for tourists.
Are They in Danger?
Unfortunately, these beautiful coral kingdoms are in danger. Climate change is a primary reason for the decline of corals. Rising sea temperatures cause coral bleaching. If the temperatures remain high over a long period of time, corals start to die.
Root Cause
Human activity is the root cause of coral degradation, not only in the Maldives but also in other destinations. The burning of fossil fuels, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions are the culprits. These activities cause temperatures to rise, making the seas warmer.
Conservation
Fortunately for travellers like you, things are not all doom and gloom yet. The Maldives is aware of what’s happening to its precious coral gardens and is doing everything in its power to prevent further damage.
- The country has established marine protected areas. These include but are not limited to Anga Faru Reef, Baarah Mangrove, Bandara Kilhi Mangrove, and Banana Reef.
- There are regulations on fishing in place to protect coral reefs.
- Coral restoration is in progress. They grow coral fragments in nurseries and then transplant them onto damaged reefs.
- The government also regulates coastal development.
What Can You Do to Protect the Coral Kingdoms?
Here is the most important question: Is there something you can do as a traveller to protect the coral gardens, the very thing that drew you to the Maldives? There certainly is! So, it’s time to do your bit and here’s how:
- Don’t touch or step on corals when snorkelling and diving.
- Use a reef-safe sunscreen.
- Eat only sustainable seafood. Say no to parrotfish. They help corals by cleaning them.
- Participate in coral planting programmes.
- Stay at an eco-friendly hotel where sustainability is ingrained in the hotel’s business values.
