589935331

Photo by: Westend61

Westend61

Surfers Fight to Protect the Maldives’ Waves

By: Lucy Sherriff

A group of surfers in the Maldives has joined forces with grassroot activists and conservation groups in an attempt to protect surf on the paradisiacal island.

Led by the Save the Waves Coalition, the campaign called “Save Our Waves Maldives”, focuses on stopping development and infrastructure projects that are compromising some of the Maldives’ most precious surf spots.

A trend has been developing in the Maldives in recent years, which has seen numerous pristine surf ecosystems severely impacted, or even completely destroyed by private construction and infrastructure projects.

Underwater view of male surfer diving in ocean, Male, Maldives

1046045336

Underwater view of male surfer diving in ocean, Male, Maldives

Photo by: Konstantin Trubavin / Aurora Photos

Konstantin Trubavin / Aurora Photos

“The Maldives contain a treasure trove of surf ecosystems that have incredible biological, social and economic value, yet have not been protected from rampant coastal development — not to mention the long-term impacts from climate change,” says Trent Hodges, Conservation Programs Manager for Save The Waves, an organization dedicated to protecting surf ecosystems.

Surfing is a vital activity to locals as the islands are a popular international surf tourism destination, bringing a thriving surf economy, and creating numerous jobs.

Currently, there are around 20 waves — including two of the country's best — that are immediately threatened by an ongoing infrastructure project, or have already been damaged or lost due to development.

The Chickens and Cokes waves are considered the best and most accessible in the Maldives, a country made up of almost 1,200 islands south of India. Chickens have been significantly altered due to the construction of a seawall on the island. Construction can damage reef ecosystems by killing corals directly or degrading habitat, which can lead to a loss in tourism revenue that depend on reef-based tourism and reduce fish populations. Coastal construction can also cause chronic sedimentation, industrial discharge, changes in water flow and runoff, all of which can affect coral reef growth rates and the way the reefs metabolise. Sedimentation can smother reefs, meaning they have less light access, which they need to grow.

Worldwide, reducing coastal development, or at least the impact it has — is critical to preserving not just the waves but the entire marine habitat. It threatens nearly a quarter of the world’s reefs, particularly in Southeast Asia, and the Atlantic and Indian oceans, where the Maldives is situated.

“The government has an obligation and opportunity to protect these resources that provide measurable benefits for local communities and economies,” Hodges added.

Careful planning and government regulations, such as restricting development within a certain distance from the shoreline, can reduce effects.

Over under shot of a surfer girl duck diving a tropical wave with palm trees in the background.

488914826

Over under shot of a surfer girl duck diving a tropical wave with palm trees in the background.

Photo by: Richinpit

Richinpit

The Government of Maldives has committed to adopting a legally binding Marine Spatial Plan, which would designate at least 20% of the Maldives’ waters as fully protected marine areas. Additionally, the Government of Maldives signed on to the Global Oceans Alliance earlier this year to protect 30% of global oceans by 2030. Meanwhile, the Save Our Waves Maldives campaign is sitting in on stakeholder meetings to ensure surf ecosystems are part of the strategy to protect the local coastline. More than 5,000 have signed a petition to protect the surf breaks, while locals on the ground have been documenting dozens of popular surf spots that have completely disappeared due to developments.

Next Up

Meet Brood X: Billions of Cicadas Emerging Soon Within Eastern U.S.

Do you hear it? If you live in the Eastern U.S., it's likely the noisy entrance of the cicadas from Brood X as they emerge for the first time in 17 years.

Cicadas: An Early Invasion

Match point, 2020. Early cicadas are here to ruin your quiet outdoor moments.

Climate Week 2021 Shines a Light on the Climate Crisis

Every September since 2009, Climate Week coincides with the UN General Assembly in New York City. Action is required to halt and attempt to reverse the rapid and catastrophic deterioration of the world's climate. The planet is in crisis and this year The Explorers Club is spotlighting experts in the field to bring awareness to how we can create the change we need to improve the future of the planet.

Take a Safari at Home

The San Diego Zoo is streaming some of their awesome animals-- LIVE!

How the West Coast’s Wildfires Could Irrevocably Change Wildlife

Wildfires have swept across the West Coast of America this year with devastating consequences. Burning millions of acres of land in their wake, the fires have not just wreaked havoc on forests, but could have a long-lasting impact on numerous wildlife species too.

Environmentalists Who Changed (and Continue to Change) the World

Here are five women who made it their life's mission to make the world a better place through environmental activism.

Clear Skies During Lockdown is a Pandemic Upside

With almost all of the world under lockdown, cars are off the roads and the smog is disappearing in some of the planet’s most polluted atmospheres.

Scientists in Antarctica Get the Giggles from Penguin Waste

King penguin poop is causing some issues for scientists in Antarctica. This flightless bird's guano releases nitrous oxide, a gas that is known commonly as laughing gas.

Penguins Roam Art Museum in Kansas City

Penguins from the Kansas City Zoo took advantage of the lack of people in the The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and spent the morning taking in the masterpieces. They loved Caravaggio. Monet, not so much.

Latest COVID-19 Ruling is Terrible News for the Planet

Companies do not need to meet environmental standards during the coronavirus epidemic, the Environmental Protection Agency has said, in a move that could have deadly impacts on the planet.