A different side of Maldives – Overtourism, Waste and Floating Cities
Did you know Maldives are facing big problems in over tourism and waste management?
Behind the polish image of luxury resorts there’s much more.
We went to a local island: Diffushi, talked to locals and interviewed a famous activist to give a better view of what Maldives represent today.
Tourism in the Maldives has started in 1972. At first with only two hotels, now there are over 172 resorts located in different atolls. The unique condition of Maldives is that one island is one resort, meaning that one hotel occupies the whole island. By doing so, resorts provide more privacy and also more luxury for their visitors.
But this came at a cost: mass tourism is changing those pristine islands. Even though all the people I spoke to have a positive view of tourism, some are worried about the future. In fact the push for rapid tourism development in the Maldives has created several inevitable environmental and social issues for the archipelago. Over a million visitors a year landing on its pristine shores has led to environmental degradation. Mostly because of waste, and plastic waste in particular, overcrowded resort islands, and how the Maldivians adapt their culture to accomodate an increasing number of tourists rather than preserving their lifestyle.
So the question is: how can we solve these issues?
Take Diffushi for example. Diffushi is a local island, it means only locals could access it until recently. Before 2009 if you weren’t a Maldivian citizen you couldn’t go to this island and many others like this one.
Now things are different: Maldivians have started their own travel businesses, opened guest houses, organised safari boat trips, so you see reefs, swim with little sharks or turtles, and explore small islands. If you want to know more about Maldivians you can read about their history at the bottom of this page.
So, considering the many issues this country is facing how do we make tourism really sustainable so that Maldives remain the beauty it is now?
There are many great ideas and one in particular worth a mention as it can allow more buildings while preserving the land.
The floating city
The Floating City of Maldives is an innovative urban development designed to combat rising sea levels. Located in a 200-hectare lagoon near the capital, Malé, this city will feature thousands of floating homes arranged in a coral-like pattern. The project, developed by Dutch Docklands in collaboration with the Maldivian government, aims to create a sustainable, eco-friendly community that adapts to climate change while preserving the marine ecosystem. The city will include residential areas, hotels, shops, and restaurants, all connected by a network of canals.
If you want to know more about this project visit the Maldivian floating city website.
But is this a real option or just a dream? Is this gonna make things truly better to Maldivians?
Floating houses are a possible solution for at least two problems: rising water level (because of climate change) and space: in fact since Maldives have a limited amount of land on islands, it could be a good solution having floating houses, bridges and public spaces.
In conclusion I can say I was a bit skeptical about visiting Maldives: the image the country has abroad is very much about luxury resorts and I’m not much into that. I like blending with locals more and getting to know communities. But after my trip I can say Maldives are truly unique!
Just by going from an island to another you realise how much their life is on the water. Also because islands are so small, it really feels like being in the middle of the ocean, with just enough land to don’t get your feet wet.
Another thing I loved it’s food. Everything it’s so fresh and tasty. Like having this Maldivian breakfast of tuna, onions and spicy pepper with roti bread every morning.
I miss it a lot!
If you like this article you should also watch the video I made:
A Brief History of the Maldives
The Maldives, an archipelago of 26 atolls in the Indian Ocean, has a rich and diverse history that dates back over 2,500 years. The earliest settlers are believed to have arrived around the 5th century BCE from Sri Lanka and southern India. Initially, the inhabitants practiced Buddhism, which remained the dominant religion until the 12th century.
Conversion to Islam
In 1153 CE, the Maldives converted to Islam under the influence of Arab traders. This significant shift marked the beginning of a long Islamic tradition that continues to this day. The Maldives became a sultanate, and its strategic location on the Indian Ocean trade routes made it an important stop for traders from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
Colonial Era
The Portuguese were the first Europeans to establish a presence in the Maldives, occupying the islands from 1558 to 1573. They were eventually expelled, and the Maldives came under the protection of the Dutch and later the British. In 1887, the Maldives became a British protectorate, although the local sultans retained a degree of autonomy.
Independence and Modern Era
The Maldives gained full independence from Britain on July 26, 1965. Three years later, in 1968, the sultanate was abolished, and the Maldives became a republic. The country faced significant challenges in the following decades, including political instability and the need for rapid economic development. Tourism and fishing emerged as key industries, driving economic growth and modernization.
Today, the Maldives is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant culture, attracting visitors from around the world. Despite its small size, the Maldives has a rich history that reflects its strategic importance and cultural diversity.
