COVER STORY | THE MALDIVES
local community benefits directly from the income gained from local island tourism ; share breakfast with a family in their home ; exchange stories of daily life ; relax with a coffee in a local café with a local host . Secret Paradise guides can open doors that may remain closed as an independent traveler , and you ’ ll never lack authentic experiences .
The company has also tried to ensure their
sustainable actions are not just limited to their tours .
Introduction of Metal Straws
In 2018 , Secret Paradise Maldives introduced their # strawwarsmv campaign to encourage guesthouse partners to ditch the use of plastic straws . This provided positive results , with 95 % of their partners removing plastic straws . While studies suggest plastic straws make up less than 0.025 % of ocean plastic , the company still felt it appropriate to allow guests a choice of reusable straws or no straws . Metal straws also open the conversation to discuss the impact of single-use plastic on the environment .
Introduction of Reusable Water Bottles
Guests are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottles when joining tours . However , as plastic bottles are the largest single source of plastic waste in the Maldives , they wanted their guide team to lead by example . The company took a leaf out of the ideas book of their friends at Boutique Beach All Inclusive Diving Hotel , which allowed them to offer branded water bottles to guests .
Interception of Plastic Waste
Water still needs to be available to refill reusable water bottles . Regardless , it is sourced from larger water bottles or water dispensers , and , unfortunately , there ’ s still a level of plastic involved . However , by partnering with Parley Maldives , Secret Paradise Maldives have intercepted the plastic produced daily during their tours and prevented it from entering the ocean or being disposed of destructively .
Education
Secret Paradise Maldives have focused on educating their guide team , so they can educate their guests and the community . The group produced digital presentations to share with guests , supported by training sessions with organizations such as Parley Maldives , Coral Doctors , Save the Beach , and Blue
Marine Foundation .
These educational aspects educate guests on plastic waste , the protection of coral reefs and seagrass , and how they can also help protect the fragile environment of the Maldives .
Tree Planting
The company may not all have green fingers , but as a team , these are fun activities . They allow guests to support local communities and NGOs working to educate and spread awareness about the value and importance of the environment and environmental issues .
Coral Planting
Renee ’ s Coral Garden in Maafushi is a project close to the company ’ s heart as Renee was one of the first guests to travel with them . It was a life-changing trip for Renee , whose legacy lives on while she left us too soon . The Caring for the Maldives tour allows guests to establish a coral frame in Renee ’ s coral garden with the support of Eco Dive Club , Maafushi .
Traveling with Secret Paradise isn ’ t just about exploring the Maldives and enjoying the beautiful beaches and tropical waters . It ’ s about discovering authentic experiences and off-the-beaten-path locations you didn ’ t even know were there to discover .
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