Protecting Shark Paradise
. Earlier this year, OCL storyteller Jono Allen asked us to support him on an important storytelling journey which would eventually lead to him setting up Fuvahmulah Marine Foundation alongside Nasheed Ahmed in order to help protect the local community and marine site on the island of Fuvahmulah.
The island of Fuvahmulah, located in southern Maldives is a 1300 hectare UNESCO biosphere reserve home to 11,000 residents, boasting the most diverse coral ecosystem in the country with its healthy habitats and unique sand beach formations. The reefs are home to arguably the healthiest tiger shark population in the world, alongside thresher, hammerheads, white tips and whale sharks.
Commonly known by the nation as ‘Shark Island’ due to an almost guaranteed sight of these incredible animals upon every dive, this local community have surfed, swam, dived and fished their way into a peaceful, harmonious relationship with a species that’s widely feared and threatened.
The small atoll 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.
Fuvahmulah Marine Foundation is a locally driven non-profit dedicated to protecting and conserving the pristine marine ecosystem that surrounds the Maldivian island paradise of Fuvahmulah.
As major challenges surrounding plastic waste, shark diving safety, and respecting the local dive community increase FMF helps to facilitate sustainable change through sourcing issue specific experts and local authorities while physically directing and overseeing projects on the ground with the local community.
Together shoulder to shoulder with the Fuvahmulah community, FMF are dedicated to protecting shark paradise.
Help us keep this shark haven safe, and join us one day in experiencing it for yourself.
Read more about FMF here.
