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How have tourism and development impacted the natural beauty of the Maldives islands?

Cherri Laycock

Tourism and development have affected the natural beauty of the Maldives islands in both positive and negative ways.

On the positive side, tourism has brought money to the Maldives, creating jobs and helping the economy. More hotels and restaurants have been built, making it easy for tourists to enjoy the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters of the islands.

However, this development has also had some negative impacts on the natural beauty of the Maldives. Since more buildings have been constructed, more land has been cleared, causing damage to the fragile ecosystem of the islands. This has had an impact on the coral reefs and the marine life that call the Maldives home.

Tourists are also attracted to the Maldives for activities like scuba diving and snorkeling. While these activities allow visitors to explore the fascinating underwater world of the Maldives, they can also damage sensitive coral reefs. This damage can take years, if not decades, to repair.

In addition, the increase in tourism has led to an increase in waste, and the lack of proper waste management systems has placed a strain on the environment. This has caused pollution and littering, which can harm the fragile ecosystem of the Maldives.

Despite these negative impacts, there are efforts to make tourism and development more sustainable in the Maldives. This includes implementing environmentally friendly practices such as waste management, reducing energy consumption, and limiting the number of visitors to certain areas.

If these practices are continued and expanded, the natural beauty of the Maldives can be preserved while still allowing visitors to enjoy all that the islands have to offer.