For lack of other options, island communities burn their garbage in toxic open bonfires. In February 2020, Soneva Namoona celebrated a Maldives’ first: Maalhos become the first island in the country to end the practice of open burning. This was made possible by a concerted effort by the local community to segregate waste and the opening of Maalhos Eco Centro, a waste-to wealth recycling centre funded by Soneva and modelled on Soneva Fushi’s own Eco Centro. ​

Marine conservation charity Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) have been working with local divers to create @jerseyhanddived, a scheme promoting responsibly-sourced scallops, hand-gathered by Jersey divers in Jersey waters. BLUE works with low impact fishing communities across the British Isles to implement fisheries and conservation models that deliver wins for both nature and people.
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Whilst work has to be done on the ground in order to implement and manage a sustainable growth development policy, this can often take years to facilitate with many different stakeholders involved, and the predicted rate of growth is alarming in comparison to the island's long term plan. Finding a balance between development and sustainability is paramount in ensuring the longevity of a healthy tourism industry and marine environment. ⁠

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Commonly known by the nation as ‘Shark Island’ due to an almost guaranteed sight of these incredible animals upon every dive, this local island community have surfed, swam, dived and fished their way into a peaceful, harmonious relationship with a species that’s widely feared and threatened.

Article and Photography by Callum Evans

Sharks are some of the most important animals in any marine ecosystem, controlling the populations of many species and in doing so, maintaining balance in underwater environments. As research has shown, healthy and diverse marine ecosystems are also incredibly important for the health of all life on land, including us.

The coral reefs of the Maldives are what draw so many of us to this idyllic island nation. People from across the world come to these waters to dive and snorkel and to be up close and personal with marine life. Yet, the same fish that provide such a rewarding experience for tourists, with their spectacular colouring and interesting behaviours, are targeted on recreational fishing trips and eaten in restaurants.

We followed the story of the inspiring work the team at BLUE and Six Senses Laamu are doing for coral reef conservation, fishermen and sustainable tourism in the Maldives.

For over a decade sharks have been protected here in the Maldives, their populations steadily recovering.
But this vital shark safe haven could be coming to an end.

Despite the government promising to protect their sharks and rays, the Ministry of Fisheries and @zahawaheed are now discussing legalising the killing of sharks in the Maldives. This would decimate one of the last remaining shark sanctuaries on earth, and have devastating impacts on tourism, which is the nation's largest economic industry.

However it’s not too late to stop this mass killing...

The small island of Fuvahmulah hasn’t typically been a popular holiday destination for tourists, but the recognition of a healthy shark population and marine life has meant the island has had an increased amount of attention.

But like a lot of growth, there’s the opportunity to do it the right way, the way this gem of an island deserves.

Whilst work has to be done on the ground in order to implement and manage a sustainable growth development policy, this can often take years to facilitate with many different stakeholders involved. The predicted rate of growth is alarming in comparison to the island's long term plan.

A short term solution that can help educate and inform those choosing to experience the diverse marine life FVM is a short film documentary showcasing the fragility and beauty of this southern atoll.

An alarming trend has been developing in the Maldives in recent years: many of the country’s pristine surf ecosystems have been affected or outright destroyed by rapid coastal development projects.

Save The Waves is supporting local surfers, as well as an international team, to ensure that the Maldivian Government protect their wave resources and prevent private interests from destroying surf ecosystems.

Sign The Petition

Article and Photography by Callum Evans

Our coastlines are crucially important ecosystems for many species and provide millions of people with food and popular recreational areas. In Cape Town, this transition zone between habitats has an essential part to play in our future. We must be far more vigilant and aware of how we interact with our coastlines.

In March 2020 the South African government issued a grant to expand mining activity on the wild shores of the West Coast, regardless of the devastating environmental impact on the region's indigenous biodiversity and world-class waves.

ACT NOW

“Stand with us to Protect the West Coast!”

Known in the media as the walrus_whisperer, Phil Demers is being sued $1.5 million for plotting to steal Smooshi the walrus and revealing details of animal neglect and cruelty at Marineland, Ontario, Canada.

Marineland launched a series of legal assaults and intimidation tactics - threatening and suing media and whistleblowers like Phil in an attempt to silence the truth.

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Over the last few years, we have worked with resorts who have a shared vision for conservation and hope to inspire more action globally, one being Soneva in the Maldives who’s eco-friendliness is part of their DNA

Last month we celebrated Shark Week - An annual TV extravaganza devoted to conservation efforts and correcting misconceptions about the oceans apex predators. Hosted by the discovery channel this event began in 1988 and is broadcasted to screens around the world. ⁠

In March this year, our friend and talented OCL photographer @jamesthompson_t1

was going to launch his exciting exhibition for mental health, showcasing his love for the ocean and teaching us all how it's helped him.

Following the outbreak of Covid-19 fishermen say they have been humbled by the public reaction and support as the market for local produce has boomed amid the coronavirus crisis – the biggest the industry has ever faced.

Matt Porteous sets out on a personal journey with girlfriend Mandy Huelin to find out more about Oman and its sustainable fishing practices. One of the only countries in the world to keep their fish resources at a constant, the Sultan of Oman banned trawler fishing and dredging 15-20 years ago. No close-shore commercial fishing is allowed, enabling villagers to catch the fresh higher numbers of fish in local waters.

OCL Storyteller Matt Sharp shares his photographic journey in the Maldives. It can be easy to read stories like Sharpie's and remove ourselves from any responsibility of this happening. Here in Jersey, we are so lucky to have a large awareness of litter, with environmental groups such as Little Feet, Plastic Free and OCL encouraging islanders to help protect our shorelines. 

In April, Matt Porteous headed out to the Maldives to meet the creators of the Soneva Namoona Project, exploring the ways in which islands in the Northern Atolls are improving and overcoming waste management issues. The Studio_M team helped to put together a proposal for President Solih of the Maldives, to highlight the devastation and impact of plastic across the beautiful Maldivian islands, and how they can be protected and restored through the Namoona Baa project.

Earlier this month, Collas Crill became official supporters of OCL and hosted an exclusive event where guests enjoyed a display of artwork, along with an informative speech given by the OCL team and our Ocean Guardians. We discussed our on-going work and the importance of acting now to preserve the ocean for future generations.