SECRET PARADISE MALDIVES REFLECTS ON 2023: A YEAR OF IMPACTFUL COLLABORATION
As 2023 comes to an end, we find ourselves in contemplation, looking back on a year filled with impactful collaborations and notable achievements in marine conservation. We have remained steadfast in our commitment to responsible tourism, and have continued to actively immerse ourselves in partnerships with local NGOs and marine organizations, playing a vital role in contributing to the preservation of the Maldives marine environment.
2023 began with Secret Paradise forging a meaningful partnership with the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) in support of their RahVeshi Fund (Local Island Fund for the Environment – LIFE). The RahVeshi Fund, initiated by MMCP, supports conservation initiatives on local islands, providing communities the opportunity for training, mentorship, resources, internships, and job opportunities within marine research, education and conservation. In turn, MMCP gains consistent access to significant manta ray study sites in remote parts of the archipelago, away from tourism. Look out for updates on this project and a visit by members of the Secret Paradise team to Makunudu in 2024!
Our participation in The Coral Festival organized by The Maldives Coral Institute marked another significant collaboration as well as the opportunity for learning and networking. The festival designed to bring together participants and attendees from the local island community, respected local and international coral scientists, NGOs, marine organisations, ocean experts, and the tourism industry, was held in Addu in April. The aim of the event; to further appreciate and understand the importance of coral reefs and marine ecosystems to the economic and ecological well-being of the Maldives, the Indian Ocean, and the planet.
2023 saw our longstanding collaborations with Save the Beach Maldives and Maldives Whale Shark Research Program continue to flourish. Both NGOs joined on board our newly launched Marine Conservation Cruise, a holiday recently featured by UK Metro News in their top 5 citizen science cruises.
To end 2023, we supported MIYARU, an NGO dedicated to the protection of predatory shark populations in the Maldives. The partnership provided the opportunity for MIYARU to secure a place to join a Maldives shark research expedition, operated by the University of Milano-Bicocca and MaRHE Center in December of this year. This unique initiative provided daily theoretical lectures, practical sessions on shark data collection and analysis, and hands-on field activities, all focused on enhancing participants’ understanding and active involvement in scientific methodologies related to shark conservation efforts.
These local collaborations also provide Secret Paradise tour leaders the opportunity for in-person and online training sessions conducted by these organizations, which this year also included a weekend away in search of turtles with Olive Ridley Project. This first hand exposure empowers our tour leaders with a wealth of information and insights, allowing them to share a deeper understanding of marine conservation and promote responsible conduct with our guests.
Ending 2023 on a high, we can’t forget that we were awarded silver at the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Responsible Tourism Awards in the category of Best for Nature-Positive Tourism. The award recognizes our dedication to reducing negative impacts and positively impacting the maintenance of the natural environment and biodiversity.
Looking ahead into 2024, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, and we are eager to continue our efforts in fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the remarkable ecosystems that make the Maldives a true paradise. In the coming year, we are already poised to launch new conservation cruises, strengthen existing partnerships, and further elevate the principals of responsible travel.
Are you passionate about marine life conservation? Are you eager to engage in citizen science initiatives? We invite you to be a part of our 2024 Conservation Cruises!
Find out more here.
