08. Maldives

Beneath the postcard-perfect image of the Maldives lies a tale of environmental distress. 

This island paradise, frequented by a whopping 1.2 million tourists each year, grapples with a significant issue: litter.

Regrettably, the Maldives lacks the necessary waste management infrastructure, leading to trash being shipped to nearby islands, transforming them into vast, unsightly landfills.

This practice has dire consequences for the local flora and fauna. Workers at these sites endure harsh conditions without proper protective gear.

To compound the issue, some of the waste ends up in the surrounding sea, inflicting damage on the Maldives’ delicate aquatic ecosystem.

The Maldives is a poignant example of places ruined by tourism, showcasing the challenges of balancing natural beauty with mass visitation.