Shaahina Ali: Bringing eco-innovation to the Maldives
We check in with scuba diver, photographer, educator and Parley Maldives director Shaahina Ali to learn more about the programs currently in progress in this beautiful island nation
The Republic of the Maldives is a vast stretch of 1200 islands spread across 26 coral atolls in the Indian Ocean. One of the most beautiful and geographically disparate nations in the world, it’s also one of the strongest examples of unity and collaboration in response to major ocean threats. As Parley’s first Future Island Nation, the Maldives is on a mission to safeguard its future and lead change by educating, empowering and connecting an ecosystem of ocean champions. This goal inspires — and has in many ways been shaped by — our Parley Maldives Executive Director, Shaahina Ali.
Establishing the first nationwide implementation of Parley AIR, Shaahina has grown and engaged a network of island communities, schools, resorts, businesses, NGOs and government agencies in programs to reduce plastic waste, introduce recycling programs, boost eco-innovation, strengthen existing conservation efforts and inspire a new generation of ocean advocates. From swimming, snorkeling and diving lessons to community education on the impacts of plastic pollution, Shaahina’s work has helped people of all backgrounds, especially young Maldivians, experience the ocean and understand the fast-changing world beneath the surface. We asked Shaahina to share some images and thoughts on what motivates her…
"In my 30+ years of diving I have not once seen a person not change their perspective on how they feel about the deep blue after a dive or snorkel."
Shaahina Ali
Photos by Shaahina Ali
Q & A With Shaahina
You became the first female to work professionally in the Maldives diving industry and spearheaded a dive center – why is it so important to help others see the world beneath the surface?
Helping as many people as possible to see how beautiful the ocean is, and how amazing the interconnectedness of life in the ocean is, is imperative if we want people to engage in listening to the experts and actively changing their lifestyles to be less damaging to our environment. In my 30+ years of diving I have not once seen a person not change their perspective on how they feel about the deep blue after a dive or snorkel.
What changes have you witnessed in the ocean in your lifetime?
Watching full blooming reefs die in an El Niño, trying to recover and then the surviving corals and new recruits being hit again, and again. Temperature changes and coral bleaching are happening in closer intervals, not allowing proper time for reefs to fully recover back to health. Also, the amount of garbage on our reefs has increased dramatically over the years — especially waste from packaging, textiles and plastics.
What's it like to scuba dive for the first time?
It's bliss. A weightless realm, colorful splendor. It is never the same no matter how many times you dive in the same spot.
What made you decide to join forces with Parley?
I felt that Parley is a true solution, that the overall concept and strategy makes it easy for many people to grasp and understand, and actually make a change. Who doesn’t understand AIR? It’s simple — Avoid, Intercept and Redesign. Also, the belief that all plastic has to go, that there needs to be a Material Revolution.
With your leadership, Parley Maldives has grown a nationwide program and implementation of Parley AIR. What are you most proud of from your work with Parley?
Seeing that one person who changes. Seeing that community believing the value of our ocean, our environment. Seeing hope in communities for a solution to plastic disposal, and redesigning our lives. I am proud of my Parley team who are truly champions spreading ocean love.
What challenges does the Maldives face in overcoming major ocean threats like plastic pollution and climate change?
Our geography and population distribution is a major challenge to solutions. Also, this is a country that imports everything — the big companies we import from are moving to materials that we can’t dispose of. If there is a global movement to change the packaging of things, we will have less of a challenge.
Why was it important to introduce an upcycling program?
Because previously most plastic was ending up in the ocean. Our waste disposal nationwide is burning and/or going to the landfill, so a lot of time it ends up back in the environment.
Why is the Maldives so well positioned to be a leader of change?
We are the perfect place as our country is only made up of 1% land, the other 99% is covered by sea. It is so tangible to set up a practical way to create change.
What is the role of education and ocean immersion in the Parley Maldives program?
To get as many people as possible to fall in love with the ocean and to get them to see the connection of the ocean to each and every one of us.
What is your personal ocean mission and/or vision of hope for the future?
To find a way to leave a livable and clean planet for our inheritors.
What's your favorite sea creature?
The octopus – so fascinating and very intelligent.
And your favorite ocean fact?
That the ocean is so deep.
Shaahina Ali
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, PARLEY MALDIVES
Guided by a background in photojournalism and passion for marine conservation, Shaahina worked closely with the Maldivian government to formalize recreational diving standards and establish a dive center. She is the first woman to work professionally in the Maldivian dive industry. Shaahina’s dedication and extensive knowledge on the environment, people, culture, history, and geography of the islands are an immense asset to any project she undertakes, and led her to receive a President of the Maldives Green Leaf Award for her work creating environmental awareness among school children. As Executive Director of Parley Maldives, Shaahina leads a nationwide implementation of the Parley AIR Strategy, driving the upcycling, eco-innovation and education initiatives that have helped transform her home into a global champion of change.
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