Save the Beach started in 2007 as a youth movement in Vilingili to conserve the beaches in Vilingili. Since the days of just hosting an annual cleanup event, Save the Beach is now the responsible authority for cleaning and protecting the beaches and reefs of Villingili. Save the Beach has plans to plant trees on the shoreline on bare areas and carry about awareness programs targeted at school aged
children and also the community in general through television spots and other means such as door to door visits and placing of billboards among the many methods for awareness. Many supporters of Save the Beach participated in the cleaning events which focused not only on cleaning the beaches but the reef around Vilingili. The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), the Maldives Police Services, many government and private offices, environment and other NGOs, schools, dive centers and public officials participated in the cleaning events. More than 2.7 tonnes of garbage were removed from the beach and reef at this year's cleanup, among which were plastic, metal scraps, bottles, diapers and a wide range of garbage items. Volunteers and activists of Save the Beach have keenly observed the ongoing changes to the island due to reclamation, and how the work on jetty and harbor have completely destroyed the reef and habitats of many living creatures. Save the Beach will constantly lobby for the protection of the beaches and reefs of Villingili and Maldives. Save the Beach Aims
- to conserve and maintain the beaches and reefs of Villingili and to contribute to orderly and sustainable environmental management
- to promote research and study for the benefit of the general public and to maintain the quality of life for residents of Male'
- to create a model island that is environmentally friendly yet embracing human advancements.
