conserve
& protect
Nature Friends of Maldives is dedicated to conservation and sustainability across Fuvahmulah, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve recognized for its exceptional natural value. Through various initiatives, we protect our island, reef systems, and iconic species like tiger and thresher sharks. Our mission is to preserve these wonders so that future generations can experience the same beauty we cherish today.
Fuvahmulah Plastic Pollution
Plastic pollution remains one of the most pressing environmental challenges on our island. One issue we are actively tackling is the widespread use of plastic straws. As we work toward making Fuvahmulah a plastic-straw-free island, we extend our gratitude to Cool Banana for becoming the first restaurant to fully eliminate plastic straw use.
An even greater concern is the heavy reliance on single-use plastic shopping bags. These bags take up to 1,000 years to break down, and even then, they don’t disappear.
Instead, they fragment into microplastics that contaminate our environment, harm marine life, and move up the food chain, ultimately reaching our own bodies. Recent scientific studies have even detected microplastics in human bloodstreams.
Through our non-profit Nature Friends of Maldives and our community partnerships, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting the use of reusable shopping bags. These sustainable bags are available at our Fuvahmulah dive centre, and all proceeds support our ongoing Home Water Filter Project, helping families access cleaner, safer drinking water.
Our Initiatives
Water filter Project
Launched in early 2022, the Water Filter Project provides local households with access to clean, safe drinking water. Through community fundraising, we first purchased and installed 30 mini RO filters in local homes. A second fundraiser allowed us to secure an additional 60 filters, all of which were installed across the island.
Beach Clean Ups
Pelagic Divers Fuvahmulah and Nature Friends of Maldives lead regular beach clean-ups to keep our coastlines free from plastic and debris. By engaging community members, students, and visiting divers, we turn conservation into collective action that protects both our beaches and our marine life.
reusable bags
We also offer reusable shopping bags designed in collaboration with One Ocean Diving, Ocean Ramsey, and JuanSharks, providing an eco-friendly alternative to single-use plastics. Every purchase supports our conservation efforts and helps reduce plastic waste on the island.