News
Coral Reef Researchers launch IndieGoGo campaign to raise funds
Maldives.net.mv – Marine biology researchers at the KorallionLab Marine Station in the Maldives are studying declining coral reef populations and have launched an IndieGoGo campaign to raise funds to conduct this research.
Vavvaru Island in the Maldives is a prime location for the study of coral reef ecosystems. Marine biologists are hardly working at Korallionlab to study and promoting solutions to slow down or halt dominant coral reef populations declining and have launched an IndieGoGo campaign to raise money to help with research to preserve valuable coral reefs.
Coral reefs are beautiful and ecologically diverse ecosystems that are in danger of destruction due to a variety of causes, including exploitation, pollution and habitat destruction and from ocean temperature rise and acidification. Coral reefs are a vital part of the economic systems for millions of people as well as providing billions of dollars in tourism and pharmaceuticals as well as coast protection. Researchers at the KorallionLab in the Maldives in Lhayiyani Atoll have launched an IndieGoGo campaign at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vavvaru-island-help-research to raise money for research and conservation efforts on these coral reefs. For more information on KorallionLab, see www.korallionlab.com
The money raised will be used to fund scientific trips by ten selected groups to spend 21 nights on Vavvaru Island conducting research. All research groups will be nominated by international universities and chosen by scientific collaborators affiliated with KorallionLab. Funds will pay for lodging, living expenses, travel and transfer costs.
Donors to the IndieGoGo campaign can choose to donate $5 with the sincere thanks of the team; $50 for their choice of a handmade cotton toy such as a turtle or octopus; $75 for a t-shirt and baseball cap with Korallionlab logo; $150 for eco-reef suncream; $250 for wooden handmade sunglasses; $500 for a wooden handmade watch; $1,000 for a voucher for select wines; $13,000 for a trip to Monaco; $25,000 for a trip to KorallionLab; and $35,000 for a family trip to KorallionLab. For more details on the perks associated with this IndieGoGo campaign, see the campaign page.
KorallionLab Marine Station opened in April 2013 and is dedicated to the study of coral research and other marine biology topics in the Maldives. KorallionLab is located on Vavvaru Island in the Lhayiyani Atoll in the Indian Ocean. It is open to Universities and scientific Associations especially focused on marine biology and coral reef studies.
News
Angsana Velavaru shortlisted in 2 categories at Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards 2026
Angsana Velavaru has been nominated in the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2026, a reader-voted programme recognising luxury travel experiences across the Asia Pacific region.
The resort has been shortlisted in two categories: Best Resorts for Families and Best Resort Pools. The nominations highlight destinations that deliver consistent guest experiences while adapting to the expectations of contemporary travellers.
Located within a private lagoon in South Nilandhe Atoll, Angsana Velavaru offers an island environment designed to encourage shared experiences. The resort features a collection of beachfront and overwater villas, supported by a range of guest services and recreational activities tailored for families. Experiences include lagoon-based activities, marine exploration, and creative and cultural programmes for younger guests.
Pools form a central part of the resort’s guest offering. Integrated into the island’s natural landscape, they provide settings for both quiet leisure and family use, with views across the surrounding lagoon. The design and placement of the pools contribute to the overall guest experience and remain a defining feature of the resort.
The Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific are determined by reader votes, with winners selected based on guest preferences and travel experiences across the region. Voting for the 2026 awards is currently open, and Angsana Velavaru is among the resorts nominated in its respective categories.
For voting:
Business
BBM expands retail presence with new Hulhumalé outlet
Bestbuy Maldives (BBM) opened a new wholesale store in Hulhumalé Phase 2 on Monday.
The outlet is located on the ground floor of Lot 20286, Nirolhu Magu, and is intended to improve access to BBM’s imported goods for residents of Hulhumalé Phase 2 and for businesses operating in the area.
According to the company, the opening forms part of its plan to expand services closer to customers in line with population growth in Hulhumalé.
With the opening of the new store, BBM’s full range of imported and distributed products will be available at the Hulhumalé Phase 2 location. These include consumer goods from international brands such as Lifebuoy, Vaseline and Unilever.
The store will also stock wholesale food products from brands including Daily, Cavin’s and Redman.
BBM has supplied goods to resorts, hotels and retail outlets across the Maldives for several years.
Family
Kuramathi Maldives to host Easter activities for children, families
Kuramathi Maldives invites families to step into a world where wonder flourishes and childhood dreams are painted in vibrant island hues. From 30 March to 6 April 2026, the island becomes a haven for young explorers and their families, weaving moments of joy, discovery, and delight into every sunlit day.
Easter at Kuramathi unfolds as an enchanting tale. At the heart of the celebration is the beloved Bageecha Kids Club, where children’s laughter rings out across palm-fringed paths. Here, curious young minds are invited to craft bunny masks, paint coconuts, delight in the Family Easter Egg Hunt, and create rainbow sand art and vibrant paintings. Each activity is woven with a sense of discovery, awakening imaginations and nurturing friendships.
The spirit of adventure continues outdoors, where little ones tumble through splash pad games, beach kite-flying escapades, and incredible eco-adventures. From treasure hunts and bunny relays to pool parties, bubble festivals, and mini beach Olympics, there’s endless fun to be had.
The island is alive with childhood wonder – where every day brings new discoveries. This spring holiday combines tranquillity with the joy of youthful adventure, creating memories that families will cherish long after returning home.
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