Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) supports efforts to conserve sea turtles. They commend Muiz Mohamed, the Resort Manager at Cora Cora Maldives, and Justin Swart, the General Manager of The Standard Maldives, for starting a new marine advocacy campaign.
The two resort leaders, known as the “Reconnecting Duo,” will complete a 58 km stand-up paddle challenge. This event aims to raise awareness of the dangers faced by sea turtles in Maldivian waters, such as ghost nets, poaching, and plastic pollution. This initiative works with the Atoll Marine Centre and is part of the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival. It supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured turtles and highlights the need for better protection of marine ecosystems.
The Lhaviyani Turtle Festival is the largest community marine outreach program outside of Malé, involving over 3,000 participants each year. It focuses especially on school students, encouraging them to become environmental stewards. By connecting their challenge to this festival, the Reconnecting Duo shows the importance of working together for conservation.
VMC recognises that the tourism sector plays an important role in sustainable development. They encourage resorts across the Maldives to support community-led conservation projects that protect biodiversity and fragile ecosystems. These partnerships show that tourism in the Maldives is about more than great hospitality; it is also about protecting the natural heritage of the islands.
VMC will continue to promote responsible tourism. They call on travellers and industry partners to help protect sea turtles and marine life, ensuring a sustainable future for everyone.
