Maldives - March 07 (Part 1 - Introduction)

I went to the Maldives with my family in March 07.
Facts on Maldives:
- comprises of 1190 coral islands with fabulous reefs and a wealth of marine life
- a part of a massive underwater mountain range with stunning coral reefs on its edge
- is the lowest country in the world, with a maximum natural ground level of only 2.3 m

The reefs and atolls provide shelter for many species of fish and other marine creatures. The reef is composed of coral debris and living coral. This acts as a natural barrier against the sea, forming lagoons. Other islands, set at a distance and parallel to the reef, have their own protective fringe of reef. An opening in the surrounding coral barrier allows access to the calmer lagoon waters. The barrier reefs of the islands protect them from the storms and high waves of the Indian Ocean.

On April 22, 2008, the President of the Maldives pleaded for a cut in global greenhouse gas emissions, warning that rising sea levels could submerge the island nation of Maldives. Over the last century, sea levels have risen about 20 centimeters!

The following pictures posted are taken by me during snorkeling trips. Aren't they pretty? We need to do our part to protect the reefs and its ecosystem. What a waste it will be if these were to disappear from the earth!