In the azure waters of the Maldives, an initiative by Secret Paradise Maldives has set sail! Their unique Maldives Conservation Cruise offers a sustainable and educational experience, focusing on conservation efforts, responsible practices, and preserving the marine ecosystem of this paradise island nation.
Ensuring a Sustainable Cruise
The Conservation Cruise prioritizes both sharing knowledge to inspire responsible travel as well as committing to sustainable operational practices to minimize environmental impact. Focus is given to educating travelers on things like codes of conduct for marine life interactions, the benefits of seagrass and mangroves, and the importance of coral restoration programs. The cruise also seeks to show travelers the environmental challenges the Maldives faces and demonstrate how travelers can make a positive impact while traveling.
Operationally, the key focus centers on waste management to prevent pollution and protect the marine environment. Waste generated during the trip is taken back to the mainland for responsible waste disposal and single use plastic bottles were eliminated with the introduction of a water dispenser. Additionally, the boat captain and crew have been trained on how to best navigate the ocean during marine life encounters.
Collaboration with NGOs and Experts
Secret Paradise Maldives has always partnered with local NGOs and marine life organisations to enhance both their conservation efforts and the knowledge base of their tour leaders. For Secret Paradise, supporting organisations is not merely about financial support, but also about opening channels to allow NGOs the opportunity to interact with guests, thereby increasing the NGOs exposure to a wider audience. For the Conservation Cruise, they are working in partnership with Save the Beach and Maldives Whale Shark Research Program, both of whom contribute their expertise and experience to the initiative.
Education and Initiatives
Increasing travelers’ awareness about conservation efforts and the impact they have on the marine environment is the backbone of this cruise. Secret Paradise has brought together aspects of its current land based tours to life on the ocean wave! Onboard experts, including the Secret Paradise Tour Leader, Maldives Whale Shark Research Program representative and local NGO conservationist Save the Beach, play a vital role in providing interactive and immersive sessions. They offer valuable insights into the marine ecosystem, waste management, local culture, and the challenges faced by the Maldives due to climate change and tourism development. Through hands-on experiences (such as snorkeling a seagrass bed, visiting a coral rehabilitation site, gathering whale shark data and conducting a waste audit), travelers are able to gain a deeper understanding of the fragile ecosystem and are encouraged to adopt eco-friendly practices both during the cruise and in their daily lives.
Key Considerations in the Initial Planning Process
Education: Consider what learnings and knowledge you want your guests to leave with. This may impact your selected route or the organisations you partner with for the cruise.
Cruise Route: Consider visiting less-popular areas or minimize impact by selecting routes that avoid sensitive habitats. Consider traveling at times of the year, week or day when there is less or no boat traffic.
Collaboration: Collaborate with marine biologists, environmentalists, and local conservationists and ensure these experts are actively involved in the planning process.
Responsible Waste Management: Work with vessel owners to implement a waste management plan on board and train the crew to segregate and store recyclables properly, while non-recyclables should be disposed of responsibly. Eliminate single-use plastics and encourage passengers to adopt eco-friendly practices throughout the journey.
Data Collection: Share data with relevant organisations to be uploaded to their respective marine life data bases. Implement a system to collect data on the cruise's environmental impact, such as carbon emissions and generated waste . Review and make data-driven improvements to further enhance the cruise's sustainability.
The Maldives Conservation Cruise blends awareness and responsible tourism with memorable adventure. As the beauty of the Maldives' marine ecosystem continues to inspire travelers from all corners of the world, it is crucial to ensure that this awe-inspiring destination remains preserved for generations to come. By joining hands with like-minded individuals, organizations, and travelers, Secret Paradise takes us one step closer to a future where sustainable tourism is the norm, protecting the planet we all share.
About Secret Paradise Maldives:
Secret Paradise is an award winning, responsible and sustainable tour company based in the Maldives. We received TripAdvisor's Travelers Choice Award 2020, following 5 consecutive years of achieving TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. In 2020 we were commended in the ‘Meaningful Connections’ category World Responsible Tourism Awards and long listed for the 2015 'Best for engaging people and culture' category, World Responsible Tourism Awards. In 2022 Wanderlust ranked us in their Top 10 Sustainable Initiative Tour Operators.