Cinnamon Hakura Huraa Maldives hosts Ocean Sprouts Marine Biology Awareness Programme

Cinnamon Hakura Huraa Maldives recently organised the Ocean Sprouts Marine Biology Awareness Programme, a community outreach initiative aimed at fostering a sense of responsibility for marine conservation among young people. The initiative, the first of its scale in the Maldives in terms of student participation, engaged more than 1,000 schoolchildren across Meemu Atoll through a series of interactive learning sessions.

The programme was divided into three age-appropriate workshops, enabling children from different grade levels to learn about coral reefs, marine biodiversity, and the importance of safeguarding fragile ecosystems. Sessions were led by Marine Biologist Tharushi Pitigala and Manager Operations Kavindu Wijerathne, under the guidance of General Manager Rajeeva Rajapaksha, with the full support of departmental heads and resort staff.

Teachers, students, and parents welcomed the interactive format of the programme, which encouraged questions, discussions, and active participation. Students demonstrated a growing curiosity about the marine environment, a positive indicator for the future of conservation efforts in the atoll.

Reflecting on the initiative, General Manager Rajeeva Rajapaksha stated: “The Maldives is deeply connected to the ocean, and its future depends on how well we protect it. At Cinnamon Hakura Huraa Maldives, we wanted to create an initiative that would not only educate but also inspire the younger generation to become guardians of our marine environment. Ocean Sprouts gave us the opportunity to reach more than 1,000 students in Meemu Atoll, the first time a project of this scale has been carried out by a resort in the Maldives, and we are humbled by the enthusiasm and positive response we received. This is only the beginning, and we hope to continue nurturing awareness and responsibility for the ocean among the communities around us.”

Through the Ocean Sprouts programme, Cinnamon Hakura Huraa Maldives has established a new benchmark for community engagement and sustainability-focused initiatives within the hospitality sector. By equipping children with knowledge and encouraging a sense of stewardship, the resort seeks to contribute to a legacy of marine conservation that benefits both local communities and the ecosystems of the Maldives.