Le Méridien Maldives brings marine education to Ohluvelifushi School

The wonders of the ocean came to life last week for the children of Ohluvelifushi School, as Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, Sub Oceanic Maldives, and Scuba Schools International (SSI) collaborated to deliver a day of marine education and community engagement.

The initiative built on SSI’s recent visit to Le Méridien Maldives, where the organisation filmed its latest training materials against the backdrop of the resort’s house reef. Extending the collaboration beyond the water, the three partners took their commitment to conservation into the community, engaging the students of Ohluvelifushi School through an educational programme designed to foster awareness and responsibility for the marine environment.

During the visit, Cesar Briliandi, Marine Biologist at Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives, led a session on sea turtles, teaching students how to distinguish between hawksbill and green turtles, the habitats they rely on, and the reasons for their endangered status. The session also highlighted the ecological importance of seagrass, both as a food source for turtles and as a key element of ocean health.

Thomas Schult, General Manager at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, said, “At Le Méridien Maldives, we believe in nurturing our world and serving our communities, supporting both resilience and sustainable growth. Partnering with Sub Oceanic Maldives and SSI to bring marine education to local students is a privilege, and we hope to inspire them to become the next generation of ocean guardians.”

Interactive games and quizzes encouraged the children to think about the ocean’s role in their lives. Students later met with the visiting teams and received gifts centred on the theme of exploration and discovery.

Florian Gansl, Head of Operations at Sub Oceanic Maldives, added, “Our mission at Sub Oceanic Maldives is not only to introduce guests to the wonders beneath the surface, but also to empower the next generation with knowledge and passion for the ocean. Watching the students’ enthusiasm reaffirmed that education is the most powerful tool for conservation.”

The impact of the initiative was felt immediately. Ibrahim, Principal of Ohluvelifushi School, noted:, “Our students were deeply inspired by the visit. They asked questions, learned directly from experts, and now see the ocean as part of their own future.”

In the coming months, SSI’s partner Mares, a global manufacturer of scuba, freediving, and snorkelling equipment, will donate snorkelling sets to the school. Students will also be invited to explore Le Méridien Maldives’ house reef during an excursion, including a guided visit to the resort’s Marine Conservation Hub.

Guido Wätzig, CEO of SSI, commented, “Education has always been central to SSI’s philosophy. By engaging with local communities, we share a passion that strengthens not just the present, but the future of our oceans. We are honoured to work alongside Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives in creating these meaningful opportunities.”

Looking ahead, Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives plan to expand the programme with additional biodiversity and conservation workshops, as well as future dive courses, nurturing the Maldives’ next generation of ocean advocates.

Situated in the Lhaviyani Atoll, Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa offers an eco-conscious island experience, featuring 134 beach and overwater villas with direct ocean access, five restaurants and bars, and an SSI-certified dive centre managed by Sub Oceanic Maldives. Surrounded by a thriving reef and over 50 dive sites, the resort invites guests to encounter marine life including turtles, manta rays, eagle rays, sharks, and corals, while taking part in sustainability initiatives and marine education programmes.