Maldives Whale Shark Conservation Research Expedition

Planet

CARBON REDUCTION
Our trips aim to positively impact the countries, communities and environments we visit. Our policy draws on the criteria set out by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC) and tries to recognise many of the principles within the United Nations World Tourism Organisation's (UNWTO) Global Code of Ethics for Tourism.

This tour, travelling through the Maldives, does not use any domestic flights. For the international flights, we suggest that our customers calculate their estimated impact on the environment of their flights and choose to purchase sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) to act on their emissions, if possible or purchase carbon offsets from certified climate projects

Once we are in the region, we minimise our carbon footprint. All food is locally sourced, and we use a locally owned and managed boat. Vegan and vegetarian food is available but must be requested in advance.

ENVIRONMENT AND WILDLIFE
On this tour, we are committed to reducing the environmental impacts of our visit. The staff are all locally based and experts in the region. By encouraging and valuing community and industry stakeholder participation, the team are able to leverage the scientific research gathered to safeguard the rich biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems that are the basis for not only whale sharks, but also life, livelihood and culture in the Maldives.

Our team doesn't use plastic bags in our office or on our tours. When purchasing items and food for trips, we use reusable fabric bags. Any plastic bottles we have to use are recycled or given to remote communities, who reuse them as storage containers.

Our clients are encouraged to deal with waste appropriately and limit their use of single-use plastic. We advise clients to bring their own reusable metal drinking bottles, which can be used long after their tour.

People

LOCAL ECONOMY
We strive to generate greater economic benefits for local people and enhance the well-being of the communities we visit while still providing a positive and rewarding experience for our customers. Our business aims to minimise tourism's negative social, economic, and environmental impacts.

Our local partner values the inclusion of the local community and believes it is central to good conservation practices. They know that by getting people directly involved and excited about their work, they can create networks of engaged citizens ready to participate in stimulating scientific research and conservation projects related to the whale shark. By developing dynamic research studies, ensuring transparent communication of findings, and facilitating educational opportunities focusing on the importance of biological diversity, species conservation and environmental stewardship, they know that they can advance the field of research and foster effective conservation initiatives.

Their research is used to inform decision-makers and the general public for the good of the whole. They believe that real buy-in can only be achieved when people truly understand the research process and the outcomes it generates.

This tour aims to use 100% locally owned accommodation and 100% local guides and experts.

EMPLOYMENT, INCLUSIVITY AND DIVERSITY
The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) is a research-based conservation charity dedicated to studying the whale shark and fostering community-focused conservation initiatives in the Maldives and the greater Indian Ocean.

Our goal is simple: to advance knowledge of the whale shark and advocate for sound conservation policy in the Maldives. By encouraging and valuing community and industry stakeholder participation, we can leverage scientific research to safeguard the rich biodiversity and fragile marine ecosystems that underpin not only whale sharks but also life, livelihoods, and culture in the Maldives.

We understand that the responsibility and action needed in a particular location will depend upon the local environment and culture. Tourism is one of the most important and largest industries on the planet. It accounts for 11% of the world’s GDP and 12% of its exports. It employs more people worldwide than any other industry, with millions of families relying on tourism for their daily needs.

All employees have health and life insurance, and the highest salary standard and working environment. The company culture is embedded in being socially responsible and environmentally conscious, with minimal impact on the environment, local culture, and heritage. Each year, they advertise a limited number of 3-month paid internship positions for Maldivian nationals.

The approach aims to involve people, from the local to the international level, to demystify the scientific research process and reveal answers about the mysteries of the whale shark species.