Few places on earth are as beautiful as the Maldives in the sparkling Indian Ocean. From the moment you fly into the strip of land that makes up the Male International Airport you know your holiday will be one of a lifetime but it’s one that could be disappearing in your lifetime.
Because of Global Warming.
While many coastal areas in the world face the threat of going underwater, the rise in sea levels caused by the burning of fossil fuels over the last 150 years threatens the whole country’s entire existence.
It’s not just a bit of erosion – it’s devastation. So much so that the Maldivian government held a much publicised cabinet meeting under the waves a few years back.
Luxury Maldives resort abound on the main islands and the myriad atolls that make up one of the most spectacular holiday destinations on earth but you need to go now!
Many of the islands in one of the lowest-lying countries on the planet are just a few feet above sea level and at severe risk. Changing weather patterns are threatening coral reef degradation via bleaching while unpredictable weather events threaten the economy of the country that apart from tourism relies on fishing.
Salt-water intrusion into freshwater areas is also threatening the Maldives’ drinking water supply while habitats for both marine life and terrestrial creatures are dwindling.
Of course, it’s a gradual process but as outlying atolls slip under the waves there is the risk that internal displacement of people will mean irreversible change for the worse.
But it’s not all doom and gloom – there are still plenty of years left to visit this remarkable country. And if we all play our part in doing our bit to either slow the pace of global warming or elect leaders who are prepared to act swiftly this jewel could be around for our children and our children’s children to enjoy.
And enjoy you will – there is never a better time to visit the Maldives.
We are planning a family but were attracted to the idea of an adults-only resort on the atoll of Gaafu Alifu – it sure made a change from Cyprus where we went last year!
We arrived in Male and were quickly ushered to a domestic flight to the atoll (a small island if you don’t know) where we boarded a quick 50-minute hop then had a five-minute buggy ride to our villa.
To say we were blown away would be an understatement – two weeks in a villa perched just above the crystal clear ocean waves followed in what turned out to be the holiday of a lifetime enjoying the marvellous cuisine and centuries-old culture of the island of Kooddoo.
Hurry to the Maldives – it’s easy to enter and may not be there for too much longer!
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