Atlantis. This simple word conjures thoughts of ancient civilizations and mystery. There is little proof that this legendary sunken city ever existed, but the world does hold several lost metropolitans just beneath the waves. From Thonis-Heracleion in Egypt to Pavlopetri, Greece, evidence exists of entire cities disappearing seemingly overnight. Scientists, archeologists, and historians are busy trying to preserve and discover more about these ancient places. However, what if an entire country, not just a city, could slip beneath the surface? And what if we could stop it?
Off the coast of India, two thousand kilometers south, lies the Maldives. This 1,192 island nation stretches out across the Indian Ocean like pearls. Although known by some as a paradise for the rich and influential, there is a rich and unique culture waiting to be discovered. Is there enough time, though? The Maldives is the first country on climate change’s hit list.
According to National Geographic, “Projections for future sea level rises vary greatly, but when you’re in the Maldives, whose highest points rise to just over two meters above sea level, every centimeter counts.
Although it’s widely known that melting polar ice leads to rising sea levels, fewer people are aware of how ‘thermal expansion’ is also a key factor. Because water molecules above 4C spread out as they warm up, if you extrapolate that effect across an ocean, warmer water will noticeably expand in volume. Although it seems counter-intuitive, this doesn’t all get distributed evenly across the world’s oceans, and the expanded sea water tends to ‘pile up’ in places. Sea level rises are happening at different rates on different coasts, but in the Indian Ocean — much of which lies in the tropics — waters tend to be warmer than in any other ocean, and rising faster as a result.”
Why We Should Protect This Place
Why should we prioritize saving the Maldives? With climate change at its shores, the people are being forced to find solutions and foster hope. By gathering stories from the locals, we save valuable knowledge that could have far-reaching effects. The documentary series Voices of the Maldive’s main mission is to protect the Maldives by documenting the Maldives – its people, its ecosystems, its lore, and its lessons. By learning from this culture in crisis, we can improve lives around the world.
How You Can Protect This Place
One of the issues the Maldives faces is unsustainable tourism. The people understand that it’s not something that is going away. They live in a beautiful part of the world that people from near and far want to experience. What travelers can do is be cognizant of how they travel to these precious islands.
Choose Local Resorts
When it comes to your impact, where you stay matters. Make sure to research who owns your resort. The best choice is one owned and run by the local Maldivian people. This ensures that the best interest of the islands are kept top of mind and more money goes into the local economy. With large resorts owned by foreign companies, less thought is put into how the place impacts the land and the sea. One of the resorts that is sustainably managed and emphasizes the local environment is Soneva Fushi. This resort offers the best of luxury and sustainability. Its 53 private island villas are nestled in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Every stay supports the surrounding area by giving back 2% to the Soneva Foundation, which invests in “projects that have a positive environmental, social and economic impact.”
Other resorts with local respect include Soneva Jani, Four Seasons and Gili Lankanfushi. Another way to stay sustainably is to choose a local guest house like Lhohi Inn or Village Hideaways.
Buy Locally
Another great way to support these vibrant islands and atolls is by buying locally. From bustling markets to quaint boutiques, the Maldives offers a treasure trove of locally-made goods. Visitors can take home intricate handwoven mats known as "thundu kunaa," adorned with traditional Maldivian motifs. The Maldives is also renowned for its exquisite handmade jewelry, crafted using indigenous materials like coral, shells, and pearls, each piece telling a story of the ocean that surrounds this tropical paradise. By purchasing local items, travelers support the livelihoods of Maldivian communities.
Use Coral-friendly Products
In regions like the Maldives, where the underwater world is a breathtaking mosaic of coral formations, opting for coral-safe products is paramount. Alternatives, including reef-friendly sunscreens and skincare products, ensure that visitors can enjoy the crystal-clear waters without contributing to the degradation of marine environments.
Avoid Single-Use Plastics
By refraining from single-use plastics such as water bottles, straws, and bags, visitors contribute to reducing pollution and safeguarding the pristine beauty of the islands. Opting for reusable alternatives like stainless steel or bamboo straws, refillable water bottles, and eco-friendly bags minimizes the ecological footprint associated with disposable plastics. In the Maldives, where the underwater world is a major attraction, the effort to avoid single-use plastics becomes a meaningful act of conservation, helping to preserve the natural wonders that make the destination so extraordinary.
Don’t Let The Maldivian Culture Disappear Beneath the Waves
There is a chance that future generations will only experience the Maldives through documentaries such as Voices of the Maldives. On the other hand, our century could be the one that turns the tide on climate change, rampant tourism, pollution, and corporate greed. It all starts with placing priority on sustainability. The Maldives are a jewel filled with age-old culture, tales of wisdom, and stories of hope. What makes it different from the rest of the world is merely the pace at which it is threatened by extinction. When we all make an effort, we will not be left with mysteries and questions – but a testament to humanity’s unsinkable spirit.
