In the heart of the Maldives’ vibrant diving scene, Zoona Naseem emerges as a trailblazing figure whose influence extends far beyond the depths of the ocean. As the visionary owner and co-founder of Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center, located in the picturesque Vilimale’, Zoona has redefined the standards of dive education and environmental stewardship. Her groundbreaking achievement as the Maldives’ first female PADI Course Director not only underscores her exceptional expertise but also her unwavering commitment to advancing both the sport of diving and ecological preservation. In this exclusive conversation, we delve into Zoona’s extraordinary career, exploring the pivotal moments and challenges that have shaped her journey. We gain insight into how the diving industry has evolved under her influence and uncover the profound impact she has made through her pioneering work.

1. As a trailblazer in the diving industry and the first Maldivian woman to achieve the rank of PADI Course Director, could you share the journey that led you to pursue a career in diving and eventually establish Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center?

Growing up as the eldest in my family, I had a strong sense of responsibility, and my connection to the sea was influenced by my fisherman father. After moving to Malé for my studies, I worked at the Ministry of Fisheries but found the role unfulfilling. A serious illness led me to leave my job, and I started working as a receptionist at a dive center. At 17, I completed my first dive and knew I wanted to become an instructor. Despite financial challenges, I achieved this by 18 and spent the next 18 years progressing in the tourism industry, eventually managing multiple dive centers. In 2012, my husband and I opened Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center to provide diving opportunities for locals, especially women and children. The center has since thrived, focusing on empowerment and community involvement.

2. It is a very inspiring story; I want to ask how the name Moodhu Bulhaa came to be?

"Moodhu Bulhaa" is a term in our local language that refers to someone who is always drawn to the ocean. My mother affectionately called me this because I spent so much time in the water that it was often a challenge to get me out. The name is a tribute to her, holding deep personal meaning rather than any direct connection to fish. The fish in our logo is simply my favorite, and it often serves as a conversation starter, giving me the opportunity to share the story behind the name and a glimpse into our local culture.

3. Being a prominent figure in the Maldivian diving community, what inspired you to break gender barriers and become a role model for aspiring divers, particularly women?

I’ve always believed that everyone has a unique path, so I never felt the need to compare myself to others. Diving isn’t something women can’t do, but many Maldivian parents mistakenly saw it as too dangerous for women. When I entered the resort industry in 1996, there were no women, and I was warned about negative influences. However, I found working with men to be straightforward and realized that gender should never be a barrier. Women should pursue what they love without fear of judgment.

The tourism industry, often misunderstood, offers incredible opportunities. I would encourage my daughter to work in a resort, as it teaches valuable skills like discipline and independence. It took me 18 years in tourism to save enough money to open Moodhu Bulhaa without loans, proving that with the right mindset, anyone can achieve their goals. I hope to inspire women to follow their passions and excel in diving and tourism.

4. Moodhu Bulhaa opened on International Women’s Day, this year’s slogan was “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”. What does this statement mean to you?

To me, "Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress" represents the importance of creating more opportunities for women to thrive. When women are empowered to explore various fields and take on diverse roles, they have the potential to achieve extraordinary results. There are countless women in management and senior positions who are doing exceptional work, even if their contributions are not always visible. Acknowledging and supporting these women is essential for driving progress and building a more inclusive and equitable society.

5. Winning the Local Hero Award at the Oceans Awards 2019 must have been a significant achievement. How has this recognition influenced your approach to advocacy and conservation efforts?

Winning the Local Hero Award at the Oceans Awards 2019 was a pivotal moment in my advocacy journey. As the only Maldivian woman among five global recipients, the recognition, though not widely acknowledged locally, filled me with immense pride. It affirmed that our work, particularly through Moodhu Bulhaa, was making a difference, even earning coverage from CNN. This international recognition, alongside my national awards, deepened my commitment to conservation and education.

I strongly believe that conservation starts with generational awareness, which can't be fully grasped in a classroom. Real understanding comes from direct experience. I remember participating in the Ministry of Education’s 'Farukoe' program, where children snorkeled to see a reef for the first time. One boy’s awe at the reef solidified my resolve to integrate ocean education into school curricula. In a country surrounded by water, it’s crucial that our children learn to swim and develop a deep appreciation for the ocean, turning it into their playground.

This award has strengthened my dedication to advocacy, emphasizing the need for hands-on experiences in cultivating a lasting connection with and commitment to our environment.

6. Encouraging Maldivian parents to embrace the ocean as a safe space for their children is a crucial aspect of your mission. What strategies do you employ to communicate the importance of ocean exploration and safety to local communities?

Many parents fear the ocean, believing it's too dangerous for their children. I often tell them that walking the streets of Malé can be just as risky. The key lies in proper training. Children shouldn't be left to swim without guidance; they need to be equipped with the right safety measures and education. My own children are confident swimmers, but we always use safety gear when in deep water. It's crucial to teach children how to navigate the ocean safely, much like learning to drive a car.

We always invite parents and teachers to take part in our snorkel sessions, which would give them the right understanding of what is there in the ocean and to believe the ocean is a safe place. 

One of the highlights is from the ‘Farukoe” program where we invited 40 mothers from Villingili. Another highlight is from the ‘Little Big Festival’ held at Kudafari to mark the ocean day in June 2023 – we had the privilege to take almost 95% of the island community, specifically women for a scuba diving experience including majority of the school children.

We also collaborate with schools, taking preschoolers snorkeling and establishing dive clubs to familiarize them with the ocean. Many of these children go on to earn diving licenses, gaining knowledge about corals, reefs, and marine ecosystems—making depth the least of our concerns.

The Maldives offers an unparalleled experience of beauty and tranquility in its ocean, surpassing even countries like Australia. At Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center, a 5-star instructor development center affiliated with PADI, we provide training from basic diving to instructor levels. We also support our top students in finding internships and job opportunities in the industry. Seeing our students excel, whether opening their own dive centers or becoming managers, is incredibly rewarding. On our dive boats, you'll notice a significant presence of women, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and empowerment.

7. Given your extensive experience as a PADI professional, what are some of the most memorable moments or experiences you've had while teaching diving to local Maldivians?

Every time I teach a child to dive, it’s a unique and memorable experience, filled with its own set of challenges and rewards. However, the most unforgettable moments are when I take someone on their very first dive. It often requires an hour of preparation and reassurance beforehand, but the smile on their face when they resurface is truly priceless. Many young divers are eager to pursue their diving license after that first dive and watching them achieve that milestone brings me immense satisfaction.

One particularly profound experience was training Fathun, the Maldives’ first Visually impaired diver. She successfully completed her PADI Open Water Diver certification, which was both a challenging and rewarding journey. We had to create our own sign language and communicate everything above water. Witnessing the joy and sense of peace she found in diving was deeply moving, and documenting her journey was a significant milestone in my career.

The trust Fathun placed in me was immense; she followed my instructions without hesitation. I've also had the privilege of diving with individuals with special needs, ensuring they have a safe and unforgettable experience. A few to remember are, a paralyzed diver asked me to secure his arm to prevent it from moving uncontrollably, and a visually impaired diver expressed a desire to touch a turtle if we encountered one. These moments are incredibly special to me.

Opening the door for special needs or children to experience the beauty of the ocean brings us so much joy. Some of the highlights include the trips organized by ARC (NGO – advocating rights for children) where we get to conduct the ocean part for the children. Watching them enjoy the water and the sense of freedom it brings is deeply fulfilling. These experiences continually reaffirm why I am passionate about teaching diving and the profound impact it can have on people's lives.

8. How did the opportunity arrive for the visually impaired person to go diving?

It is my nature to invite anyone I meet to go for a dive or snorkel, Fathun was a similar case, and she willingly took up the challenge and went for it. I quickly recognized her bravery and willingness to embrace the challenge. It's important that someone genuinely wants the experience before I can take them diving. Fathun has since embraced diving with pride, and it brings me immense joy to hear her confidently identify herself as a diver.

9. As a PADI 5-star Instructor Development facility, how does Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center contribute to the professional development and training of aspiring dive instructors in the Maldives?

Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center plays a pivotal role in nurturing the next generation of local dive instructors in the Maldives. Historically, the diving profession here was largely dominated by foreign instructors. However, we're now seeing more locals, who possess a profound understanding of our marine environment, taking the lead in this field. The profession itself offers competitive compensation and benefits, such as accommodation and meals at resorts, enabling instructors to save significantly if they manage their finances prudently.

Diving is a profession that demands intense focus and discipline. Unlike many jobs where technology can take over certain tasks, diving requires constant vigilance to ensure the safety of all involved. Instructors must be highly attentive and thoroughly prepared, maintaining a healthy lifestyle to meet the physical and mental demands of the job.

Moreover, diving is not only a rewarding career but also a cost-effective one. It promotes physical health and mental well-being, and the joy of introducing new divers to the wonders of the ocean is immensely fulfilling. The lifestyle it offers is both unique and enjoyable, with minimal need for additional expenses like clothing or cosmetics.

Last year, with the support of the government, we successfully trained Over 60 plus PADI professionals —a significant milestone. This achievement also highlights the increasing participation of women in the industry, reflecting the evolving nature of the profession and its growing significance within the local community.

10. With the Maldives' reputation as a premier diving destination, how do you envision the future of the diving industry in the region, particularly concerning sustainability and responsible tourism practices?

To ensure the longevity and health of the diving industry in the Maldives, it is imperative that we implement responsible diving practices. Opinions may differ, but for me, the issue of shark feeding is a contentious one, it’s a practice I fundamentally oppose. Our focus must be on preserving our reefs, which are already under threat from external factors such as dredging. Although these challenges are significant and often beyond our direct control, our priority should be conservation.

The true allure of the Maldives is found beneath the waves. Often, children describe our islands as being protected by coastal barriers. If these barriers are compromised, the islands themselves face serious risks. Reef protection and beach cleanups are crucial, but they are not enough on their own. We need a broader commitment to genuine conservation efforts. This includes reducing harmful practices and enforcing necessary guidelines.

Regrettably, some divers exploit our reefs for personal gain or for display in aquariums, often without considering the broader consequences of their actions. It’s essential that we work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish and enforce stringent guidelines. Without tangible actions and effective enforcement, our reefs will remain vulnerable. The Maldives requires actionable solutions, not just policies on paper. While addressing harmful practices like shark feeding is challenging, we must recognize and mitigate their negative impacts, including the increasing number of incidents associated with such activities. It is also essential that responsible dive and snorkel guides consistently remind divers and snorkelers to adhere to best practices. 

11. In what ways do you engage with the next generation of divers and environmental advocates to instill a sense of stewardship and appreciation for the marine environment?

Our primary focus is on establishing dive clubs within schools, which serve as a key educational initiative. Annually, as part of our commitment to community engagement, we organize ocean-related activities for children. For instance, today they might experience snorkeling, and this firsthand encounter often ignites a desire to learn more. Such exposure plays a crucial role in developing their awareness and sense of responsibility towards the environment.

Recently, we had the pleasure of partnering with ARC on their invitation in taking ‘Fiyavathi’ (orphanage) kids for a snorkel session. Their excitement was palpable and introducing them to the marine world at such a formative age had a profound impact. It fosters a lasting appreciation and understanding of marine ecosystems, shaping their future as informed and environmentally conscious individuals.

12. Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center, and how do you plan to continue inspiring individuals to explore the underwater world while championing marine conservation efforts in the Maldives?

My vision for Moodhu Bulhaa Dive Center is to integrate ocean-related activities into school environmental clubs, providing children with meaningful opportunities to engage with the ocean. This approach ensures that the values of marine conservation are instilled in future generations.

We are broadening our horizons beyond Malé, offering ocean experiences on various islands. This initiative has garnered significant interest from children who are enthusiastic about participating in our programs.

One of my aspirations is to establish a "snorkeling library," where children can borrow snorkeling masks and explore the marine environment. We are in the process of formalizing this program to allow kids to borrow masks in a manner similar to borrowing books from a library.

Located in Villingili, our goal is to make the reef accessible to the Greater Malé region without the need for expensive boat trips. I have raised this concern with the president, who has committed to protecting these areas to ensure they remain a valuable resource for local children, preserved from development.