The Maldivian Problem: Tourism and Its Impact on Coral Reef Systems

The Maldives: an idyllic paradise. It’s built up out of the blue —more than a thousand coral reefs comprise the nation residing in the midst of the Indian Ocean. Extensive snorkeling, a surplus of sunshine, and the whitest of beaches provide enough reasons to plan your next vacation here. It’s the picturesque tourist destination.

So picturesque, in fact, that the Maldives host more tourists each year than the nation’s total population. Tourism is undoubtably central to the country’s wealth; it accounts directly for 39.6% of the Maldives total GDP. In 2004 the Maldives experienced a tsunami which cut their tourist visitation the following year by nearly half, and their GDP fell by 4.6%.

Okay, Will, we get it. Tourism is important.

But here’s the problem: Maldives’ coral reefs are dying, and tourism isn’t helping their cause.

Fluorescent lights permeated my eyeballs. A French Bulldog pooped in the corner of the Walgreens, while his owner handed over his insurance card to the pharmacy technician. I was in a Walgreens, casually exploring different sunscreen brands and the labels/ingredients…