President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has announced a temporary suspension of on arrival visa for tourists. With this decision, the tourism industry has come to a halt. This halt could be the right time for us to rejuvenate our environment.
On a daily basis, our coral reefs are exposed to sunscreens and many other chemicals and oils. The damage this could do to the environment could be small in the short-term, however, the longterm effects of this could affect the sustainability of these reefs.
Simultaneously, the travel restrictions imposed are expected to reduce air pollution and will save the sea from getting polluted by oil and gas.
As the Maldives is very much dependant on the environment, we can take this time to rejuvenate our environment. This would be a good opportunity for our marine life to regrow and our islands to become greener.
According to the former sales and marketing director of intercontinental resort Yoosuf Rasheed, for at least a month dolphins and mantas will not be chased, corals will not be disturbed with sunscreen, pollutions in airport and sea from gas and oil will reduce.
” Yes we lose money but I am happy for the Nature of Maldives for its much deserved break. For now tourists stay home and the marine life can regrow, enjoy and be scare free.” Yoosuf Rasheed.
Recent studies are also showing that the earth’s ozone layer is healing and its recovery is still in progress. With the travel restrictions around the world, air pollutions are expected to fall, thus further improvement in the ozone layer is predicted.
This would not only increase the sustainability of marine life but also will help the economy, as when the suspension on visa lifts tourists can enjoy a much healthier and greener environment.
Even though this suspension is expected to cause many losses to our economy, it will give a very much needed break to our environment.
