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The need to protect the environment is at the forefront of many global conservation campaigns and World Environment Day, held annually on 5th June, seeks, this year, to bring awareness of the importance of not just protecting nature but ecosystem restoration. Here in the Maldives we are extremely fortunate to be surrounded by one of the most diverse ecosystems on Earth, the spectacular coral reefs with coral islands perched on top and seagrass meadows in the shallows. Innahura Maldives Resort is very aware of our responsibility amidst such precious surroundings and we place the environment high on our agenda.
While ecosystem restoration is vitally important in areas of the environment where damage has occurred – either through natural causes or human use, we believe that protecting what we have, so as to avoid damage in the first place should be our aim. Our beautiful island is lush and green and to keep it that way, in a manner that is sympathetic to the natural Maldivian islands, we use native flora in our landscaping – adding to and enhancing the integrity of the island by planting prevents erosion of our shoreline and sandy island interior.
Underwater, we are careful to protect the coral reefs and have a strict ‘don’t touch’ policy. Our snorkellers and divers receive briefings about the importance of keeping fins off the corals so as not to break these fragile structures, as well as information about the marine life they are likely to encounter. Observing quietly and not interfering with natural behaviour is not only respectful to the creature but also has the benefit of a longer sighting too. We, as in all of the Maldives, do not allow shells to be collected, they are all part of the intricate web of life on coral islands. Next time you visit be sure to take some time to watch the hermit crabs as they seek out new ‘homes’ when they have grown too big for their shell – they can sometimes try out quite a few until they find one that is just right, it’s absolutely fascinating to watch!
Join with Innahura to make a positive change for the environment – it might be something as simple as litter picking at a local beach or hedgerow, dedicating a small part of your garden to wilderness and scattering native wildflower seeds or joining part of a bigger project in the community. When you are next at Innahura we look forward to sharing our amazing environment with you.