After two years of extensive research and studies, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas has launched a ground-breaking research-based publication unveiling the rich biodiversity of the island’s house reef to provide the groundwork for ongoing marine conservation and encourage guests to participate in their conservation efforts. This is the first time a resort in the Maldives has undertaken such an extensive reef assessment and scientific research-based study, led by the Australian Marine Conservation Society.
The study will help work towards enhancing reef resilience and improving water quality. This is by addressing land use impacts, removing threats such as overfishing and destructive fishing practices and engaging in innovative restoration techniques. Anantara Kihavah offers a complimentary e-version of the “Wonders of Kihavah” for download on their website.
www.anantara.com/kihavah-maldives
Coral preservation and much much more at Four Seasons Kuda Haara
This excellent resort has all sorts of excellent sustainability and conservation initiatives in place. Highlights include a local biodiversity support program, including a pioneering partnership with Reefscapers leading to the deployment of approximately 3,500 coral frames in the waters around Kuda Huraa, protecting the existing reef and creating new ones.
Moreover, there’s an on-site government-licensed turtle hatchling pool to protect weak juvenile turtles in collaboration with the Local Island Outreach Education Project. There’s a collaboration with sister resort Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru to rehabilitate injured sea turtles and rehome non-releasable turtles to forever homes via the Flying Turtles project. Plus a local outreach program for neighbouring schools in collaboration with the Marine Discovery Centre to expand awareness of marine conservation efforts and activities.
https://www.fourseasons.com/maldiveskh/services-and-amenities/sustainability/
Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlu ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre
The Olive Ridley Project (ORP), founded in 2013, is a charity registered in England & Wales and in the Maldives whose mission is to protect sea turtles and their habitats through rescue and rehabilitation, scientific research, and education and outreach.
The name ‘Olive Ridley Project’ is a testament to the charity’s humble beginnings of documenting olive ridley turtle entanglements in the Maldives. Although they have since expanded their mission, their name remains the same as a reminder of where it all started.
In January 2015, Coco Collection announced its official partnership with ORP, intending to help injured sea turtles through medical intervention and intensive rehabilitation. To that end, in February 2017, they opened their first Marine Turtle Rescue Centre at Coco Palm Dhuni Kohlu which at the time of opening, was the first fully-equipped, veterinary-run rescue centre for sea turtles in the Maldives. Since its inception, the centre has cared for and rehabilitated sea turtles with grievous injuries, often sustained from ghost net entanglement, all across the country.
The Rescue Centre houses a veterinary clinic complete with a laboratory, X-ray and ultrasound machines, an endoscope and surgical facilities. The turtle patients spend their recovery period in tanks, all seven of which are supplied with fresh seawater. The resident turtle veterinary surgeon and veterinary nurse take care of the turtle patients along with a team of interns and volunteers.
Additionally, they offer internships for Maldivian nationals at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre. The purpose of the internship program is to strengthen local capacity to care for and conserve the sea turtle population. The Rescue Centre also welcomes school children from local schools to visit. Here they get an opportunity to observe sea turtle patients, learn about the treatment of the various injuries sustained by the turtles, as well as basic veterinary medicine.
https://cococollection.com/coco-cares/marine-turtle
