Secret Paradise Maldives Reflects on 2023, a Year of Impactful Collaboration

As 2023 draws to a close, local tour company Secret Paradise Maldives reflects on a year of impactful collaborations and achievements in marine conservation. Internationally recognised for its commitment to responsible tourism, Secret Paradise actively engages with local NGOs and marine organizations, contributing to the preservation of the Maldives marine environment.

The year began with Secret Paradise forging a meaningful partnership with the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP) in support of their RahVeshi Fund (Local Island Fund for the Environment – LIFE). The RahVeshi Fund, initiated by MMCP, supports conservation initiatives on local islands, providing communities the opportunity for training, mentorship, resources, internships, and job opportunities within marine research, education and conservation. In turn, MMCP gains consistent access to significant manta ray study sites in remote parts of the archipelago, away from tourism.

Participation in The Coral Festival organized by The Maldives Coral Institute marked another significant collaboration for Secret Paradise. Held in Addu in April, the festival is designed to bring together participants and attendees from the local island community, including respected local and international coral scientists, NGOs, marine organisations, ocean experts, and the tourism industry. The aim of the event is to further appreciate and understand the importance of coral reefs and marine ecosystems to the economic and ecological well being of the Maldives, the Indian Ocean, and the planet.

This year also saw our longstanding collaborations with Save the Beach and Maldives Whale Shark Research Program continue to flourish. Both NGOs joined on board Secret Paradise’s Marinelife Conservation Cruise, a holiday recently featured by UK Metro News in their top five citizen science cruises. 

To end 2023, Secret Paradise supported MIYARU, an NGO dedicated to the protection of predatory shark populations in the Maldives. The partnership provided the opportunity for MIYARU to secure a place to join a Maldives shark research expedition, operated by the University of Milano-Bicocca and MaRHE Center in December of this year. This unique initiative provided daily theoretical lectures, practical sessions on shark data collection and analysis, and hands-on field activities, all which were focused on enhancing participants’ understanding and active involvement in scientific methodologies related to shark conservation efforts.

Local collaborations also provide Secret Paradise tour leaders the opportunity for in-person and online training sessions conducted by these organizations, which this year also included a weekend away in search of turtles with Olive Ridley Project. This first hand exposure empowers Secret Paradise’s tour leaders with a wealth of information and insights, allowing them to share a deeper understanding of marine conservation and promote responsible conduct with their guests. 

Ending 2023 on a high, Secret Paradise Maldives was awarded silver at the International Centre for Responsible Tourism (ICRT) Responsible Tourism Awards in the category of Best for Nature-Positive Tourism. The award recognizes Secret Paradise’s dedication to reducing negative impacts and positively impacting the maintenance of the natural environment and biodiversity.

Looking ahead into 2024, Co-Founder Ruth Franklin said, “Our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, and we are eager to continue our efforts in fostering meaningful connections between travelers and the remarkable ecosystems that make the Maldives a true paradise. In the coming year, we are already poised to launch new conservation cruises, strengthen existing partnerships, and further elevate the principals of responsible travel.”

About Secret Paradise Maldives Sustainable and Responsible tourism has been an integral part of Secret Paradise’s business model since 2012. Providing locally led tours throughout the archipelago, they are mindful of ensuring they promote local tourism in line with Maldivian culture and traditions. Through education of their team, guests and locals, they aim to protect the environment and limit wherever possible negative impact.