Straddling the Equator in the Indian Ocean, stretching 820 km north to south, the Maldives archipelago includes some 1190 islands. They are grouped in 26 atolls, some with just one island, others with over 200.
These tropical islands claim stunning coral reefs and marine life but long tern survival is threatened by climate change and resulting sea level rise. Environmental issues are being addressed through private enterprise and government policy.
Maldive Islands, Sea Level Rise, Coral Reefs and Marine Life
Ring-shaped atolls, said Darwin, were created by subsidence of an underwater volcanic range. Reefs appeared on the peaks which pushed through the surface and formed platforms. Eventually the centre collapsed, leaving lagoons, while protected by a build-up of coral, the rim survived and islands were born.
Although severely damaged by El Nino in 1998, the Maldives coral reef has recovered well. Many Maldivians believe the coral reef spared them the worst effects of the 2004 tsunami. It remains the key element to ensure the islands survival, acting as a protective barrier against sea level rise.
From lagoons to ocean, the Maldive islands claim some of the richest diversity of marine life on the planet. Estimates range from 700 to 3000 species, in all shapes, sizes and colours - smaller creatures such as the yellow anemone fish or the blue damsel fish and large ones like rays and sharks. Of special interest are the unicorn fish, the two-horned cow fish and the vibrantly-coloured parrot fish.
Maldive Islands, Marine Conservation, Protected Areas and Species
Twenty-five marine areas across the Maldives are protected by law, the largest numbers in the Male and Ari atolls. Within the tourist zone, 25 dive sites also enjoy environmental protection, including Banana Reef and Lion’s Head in the Male atoll and Anemone City in Raa. Hurasdhoo, Hithaadhoo and Rasfaru have been designated protected islands with no developments allowed.
Protected marine species are black coral, conch shell, giant clam, berried and small lobsters, Napoleon Wrasse, dolphins, green and hawksbill turtles, whales and whale sharks. For others, destructive fishing methods such as guns or chemicals are prohibited.
Maldives, Addressing Environmental Issues for Islands Survival
With over 99% ocean and 80% of islands less than a metre above sea level, the Maldives are in the front line regarding climate change and the dangers of sea level rise. They were the first country to sign the Kyoto agreement aimed at reducing greenhouse gases. The annual World Environment Day sees a massive effort to plant trees and clean the reef, and the school curriculum attaches equal importance to environmental science as to writing and maths. Trees help to minimise beach erosion and coral reefs are cleaned to ensure their survival, essential for the islands' protection.
A number of tourist resorts are actively involved in preserving the environment, some inviting guests to contribute through donations or volunteer work under the guidance of marine biologists. Spearheading the resorts’ efforts is the Banyan Tree which also oversees the study of sharks and survival of turtle hatchlings on its own nesting beach.
Solange Hando - I am a travel writer, editor and photographer, contributing to a range of publications in the UK and worldwide.
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