Day 17: Finding Nemo
100 feet below the Maldivian Ocean lies an entirely other world. While the colors seem vibrant, they come from the fish, sea anemone’s and other creatures, but not the reef.
Due to a 3 degree increase in temperature, 90% of the reef here has died. And while the wildlife appears to be thriving, there’s been a dramatic reduction over the past few years.
The 1,190 islands that make up this paradise have recently lost one to the ocean’s rising levels.
The now, 1,189 islands, plus the loss of these coral reefs, seem to build a screaming case for global warming. It’s predicted that if things continue at this rate, these islands will be the first to disappear into the sea. Shocking, and scary to see first hand.
There’s an amazing project in play happening right here at the Four Seasons to help rebuild the reefs.
In fact you can purchase your own frame to help the rebuild.
When you donate, the team creates a new structure to be added to the thousands of others that currently exist. Every six months, photos of the transplanted coral are uploaded to the website so you can actually track your frame’s growth. These efforts have led to a 20% increase in coral growth.
Tomorrow we will launch our own structure before we say our goodbyes to Kuda Huraa.
If you’re curious to know how you can help, click here and select “contact us.”
Richard explored the ocean’s beauty with 2 dives today. His second dive was 100 ft deep. He made a handful of new friends down there.
He’s been certified since 1974. As he was getting his certification, I was busy finishing the first grade! At this we laugh.
While RB journeyed to the bottom of the Ocean Floor, I took a much needed day off. Mermaid as I am, the sun and waves have had their way with me. The spa whispered my name. I heard it’s call.
Our experience here has been the once in a lifetime kind. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so pampered or tended to. Every thought, somehow known, every wish, immediately fulfilled. The Four Season’s Kuda Huraa is truly in a class of it’s own.
Ready to continue on our journey but feeling a twinge of sadness as we prepare to pack up.
We’ll be asking for lots of votes in the coming weeks as we head to Malaysia, Australia and beyond. Stay tuned.
Cheers to being Fifty, Fit, and Fabulous!
