K. Himmafushi, Maldives – There’s something special about witnessing a milestone anniversary celebrated with purpose—and that’s exactly what happened yesterday when Allied Insurance kicked off its 40th anniversary with the Dive40 event in the stunning island of Himmafushi.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with a sense of community and shared responsibility. Allied Insurance, a company that has been a cornerstone of trust and service in the Maldives for four decades, organized a series of activities that brought together staff, local residents, schools, guesthouses, and even skilled divers who came in from Malé. The goal? To raise awareness about ocean conservation and tackle the pressing issue of plastic waste in our seas.
The day began with an awareness session led by the Maldives Academy of Diving, where experts shared vital information on how we can protect our oceans. Then, it was time for action. The “Dive Against Debris” campaign saw divers submerged beneath the surface, retrieving plastic and other harmful waste that had found its way into the water. On land, a group of passionate volunteers took part in a beach cleaning initiative. The collaboration with the Himmafushi Council, local schools, and guesthouses turned the event into a true community effort, with everyone working together toward a common cause.
As I joined the volunteers along the beach, the sight was both inspiring and sobering. People of all ages, from young schoolchildren to adults, were picking up plastic bottles, discarded fishing nets, and other debris. The Allied team was fully immersed in the effort, showing a commitment to not only celebrating the company’s legacy but also making a tangible difference.
By the end of the day, a total of 790.06 kg of waste had been collected, both from the land and the ocean. It was a gratifying result, but also a stark reminder of how much more needs to be done. Allied’s leadership acknowledged this, emphasizing that while yesterday’s cleanup was a success, it underscored the importance of creating a more environmentally conscious community, one that actively works to reduce plastic consumption.
One of the most exciting announcements of the day came from Allied itself: to raise awareness even further, the company is commissioning a special art piece by a Maldivian artist. The artwork will be crafted using the plastic waste collected during Dive40 and will be showcased at the Maldives Marine Expo 2025 in February. I can’t wait to see how this piece turns out—it’s bound to be a powerful symbol of collective action and creativity in the fight against plastic pollution.
As for Allied’s anniversary celebrations, this year is unlike any other. Traditionally, the company marks its anniversary on January 30th, but this year’s celebrations are set to unfold throughout the entire year, with events planned across the Maldives. The idea is to reach as many Maldivians as possible, sharing the company’s 40-year journey and the values of trust and sustainability that have been central to its success.
For me, what stood out most was how Dive40 wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. It wasn’t just about Allied celebrating its 40 years; it was about all of us coming together to ensure that the next 40 years leave a cleaner, healthier planet for future generations.