1 independent reviews for Maldives local island hopping vacation

Dear Vicki, Thank you for taking time to write your review. I am delighted to learn that you had a great time and were well looked after by your personal guide Kokko Ibbe. Local tourism in the Maldives at just 6 years old is still very much in it's infancy and there are indeed challenges and improvement opportunities to be made. The Maldivian’s would historically have thrown their waste into the ocean, however, that was in the days when waste would have been predominantly food waste and all biodegradable, then came along plastic and then came over one million visitors. Add all this together and we are presented with a country that has a significant challenge regarding waste removal. Positively, there are a number of actions being taken to manage waste and over time a more environmentally friendly waste management process will come into being throughout the archipelago. Whilst the obvious answer is for the government to ban the use of plastic bags and bottles we are a long way from this decision being made. However, as a business we work closely with NGO Save the Beach to increase awareness of both waste management and coral reef protection. Last year we sponsored and supported waste management presentations in schools in the capital. We also take part in monthly beach or city clean ups in Hulhumale where our office is based. I have been visiting the Maldives since 2000 and have had the pleasure of living here for the past 6 years. I have personally seen waste management practices improve over this period of time. There is certainly a growing awareness and it is also encouraging to see a lot of youth involvement. Whilst it is going to be a slow process to achieve a plastic free nation especially as we rely on bottked water as visitors to the country we can all play our part by taking home plastic waste wherever possible and by leading by example. We look forward to you traveling with us again in the future. Kind Regards, Ruth