The Sustainable Journey of Secret Paradise

Sunday 7th of June 2020

The Sustainable Journey of Secret Paradise

On 5th June, Secret Paradise Maldives, a tour company offering unique day tours and multi-day tours, had marked the World Environment Day by looking back at the company’s various sustainability initiatives.

“At a time when nations around the world are looking to restart tourism, the Maldives included, we should remember that we also have the opportunity to start caring for tomorrow today, to make sure we make our home a better place one step at a time.”

Introduction of metal straws

With the launch of the #strawwarsmv campaign in 2018, to encourage guesthouse partners to ditch the use of plastic straws, 95% of the company’s partners had stopped using plastic straws. According to studies, plastic straws make up less than 0.025% of ocean plastic, but the company believed it was appropriate to allow guests a choice of reusable straws or no straws, and the metal straws also open the conversation to discuss the impact of single use plastic on the environment.

Introduction of reusable water bottles

When joining tours, Secret Paradise encourages all guests to bring their own reusable water bottles. But as plastic bottles are the largest single source of plastic waste in the Maldives, they wanted their guide team to lead by example. The company had followed Boutique Beach All Inclusive Diving Hotel which in turn provided the opportunity to offer branded water bottles to their guests.

Interception of plastic waste

Regardless of the introduction of reusable water bottles, water still needs to be available and if this is sourced from larger water bottles or water dispensers, there is still unfortunately a high level of plastic involved. By partnering with Parley Maldives Secret Paradise was able to intercept the plastic produced every day, as well as during the tours and prevent it from entering the ocean or being disposed in a destructive way.

Creating Awareness

The company has given importance to educating the guide team so that they in turn are able to educate the guests and the community. Supported by training sessions with organizations such as Parley Maldives, Coral Doctors, Save the Beach and Blue Marine Foundation, the team produced digital presentations to share with the guests. These educational aspects to the tours educate guests on plastic waste, the protection of coral reefs and sea-grass and how they too can help protect the fragile environment of the Maldives.

Tree Planting

As a team, everyone might not be a gardener, but as the company says, these are fun activities, which allow the team and guests to support local communities and NGOs who are working to educate and spread awareness about the value and importance of the environment and environmental issues.

Coral Planting

Caring for the Maldives tour provides the opportunity for guests to establish a coral frame in Renee's Coral Garden in Maafushi, with the support of Eco Dive Club. Renee's Coral Garden in Maafushi is a special project for the company since she was one of the first guests to travel with Secret Paradise.