responsible tourism: a maldives experience

Responsible Tourism: A Maldives Experience

Harry Masefield harry.masefield@opwall.com

Green Drinks Shanghai, 14th Feb 2014

What is responsible tourism?

l  Travel in a way that minimises negative impact on the environment

l  Making sure the local community benefits

rather than being pushed aside by big companies making a quick profit

l  Planning development of local resources in

a way that will be sustainable long term

Case Study: The Maldives l  An island nation

with a population of 300,000

l  About 1 million tourists per year, staying an average of 7 nights

l  China is already the biggest source, with 200,000 visitors per year

l  Annual revenue of US$2 billion+

What are the major challenges?

l Waste Management l Coastal Development l Climate Change Impact

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Out of sight, out of mind?

Thilafushi disposal island

Untreated sewage disposal

Sewer outfalls around Male

Coastal development - dredging

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How can you travel responsibly?

l  http://www.responsibletravel.com l  Reduce your carbon emissions, don't just

offset them l  Actively engage in finding out more about

how operators claiming to care for the environment and local sustainability take action

Small steps

l  Don’t throw garbage or cigarette filters into

the sea or on the beach l  Don’t collect corals or shells from the beach

or sea l  Don't don’t buy items like corals, sea shells,

shark or turtle products l  Take batteries away with you when you

leave

Medium Steps

l  Be more proactive – for example, ask to participate in beach clean-ups, underwater clean ups, etc.

l  Chose resorts that take social and environmental sustainability seriously:

e.g. www.sixsenses.com

Bigger steps

l  Change your lifestyle at home to be more environmentally friendly

l  Travel closer to home, and take the train instead of flying if possible

l  Try alternative holidays where you actively participate in environmental or community related projects:

Thank You

www.opwall.com http://earthwatch.org/ http://www.biosphere-expeditions.org/