Visit Maldives endorses sea turtle conservation campaign

Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC) has endorsed the call for action on sea turtle conservation, commending the efforts of Muiz Mohamed, Resort Manager at Cora Cora Maldives, and Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard Maldives, who have launched the latest phase of their marine advocacy campaign.

Known as the ‘Reconnecting Duo,’ the two resort leaders will undertake a 58 km stand-up paddle challenge to raise awareness of the threats facing sea turtles in Maldivian waters, including ghost nets, poaching, and plastic pollution. Their initiative, organised in collaboration with the Atoll Marine Centre and as part of the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival, supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured turtles, while drawing attention to the urgent need for greater protection of marine ecosystems.

The Lhaviyani Turtle Festival has developed into the Maldives’ largest community marine outreach programme outside Malé, engaging more than 3,000 participants annually. It places particular emphasis on school students, encouraging the next generation to become environmental stewards. By aligning their challenge with this community-driven festival, the Reconnecting Duo underscores the importance of collective action in conservation.

VMC acknowledged the significance of the tourism sector in supporting sustainable development and encouraged resorts across the Maldives to strengthen community-led conservation projects that preserve biodiversity and safeguard fragile ecosystems. The organisation highlighted that such partnerships demonstrate how tourism in the Maldives can extend beyond world-class hospitality to protecting the natural heritage that makes the islands distinctive.

Visit Maldives Corporation confirmed its commitment to advocating responsible tourism, encouraging both travellers and industry partners to play an active role in protecting sea turtles and marine life, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.