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International Symposium hosted by Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru leads commitments to save sharks and rays
Maldives showed its commitment to preserving the world’s sharks in 2010, when it established a shark sanctuary in its waters. To build on that, the Maldives government and The Pew Charitable Trusts brought leaders from nations in the region together on October 25 and 26, 2015 for a ministerial symposium focused on shark and ray conservation in the Indian Ocean.
Ministers and senior officials from the Maldives, an archipelago southwest of India, welcomed counterparts from Sri Lanka and the Seychelles to talk about the global crisis facing these animals. With 100 million sharks killed annually around the world, attendees discussed the urgent steps needed to safeguard these important species.
The Maldives exhibited global leadership by declaring its waters a shark sanctuary, where all sharks and rays are fully protected and used for profitable ecotourism. Shark and ray ecotourism is now a key part of the country’s economy, with one study estimating its annual value at USD 2.3 million. Research has shown that sharks are worth far more alive than when killed for their fins and meat.
“It is highly encouraging to see Indian Ocean island nations come together to discuss the economic benefits of sustainable shark and ray ecotourism,” said Daniel Fernando of the Manta Trust, which advocates for conservation of manta rays and their habitats.
Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru hosted the symposium, which drew shark experts from around the world to one of the epicentres of sustainable shark and ray ecotourism. Presentations and discussions allowed the region’s ministers to witness firsthand why tourists travel from all over the world to see the manta rays, reef and whale sharks that are abundant in the protected Maldivian waters.
“It’s fantastic to see these governments gather and work together to develop solutions to protect sharks and rays,” said Luke Warwick, who directs Pew’s shark conservation efforts. ‘”Through the development of shark sanctuaries, such as the one here in the Maldives, along with international protections and strong legislation wherever sharks and rays are caught, these imperiled species can survive.”
The Sri Lankan government announced at the symposium that it has submitted a proposal to list all species of thresher sharks on Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) for consideration at next year’s meeting of the wildlife trade convention in South Africa. This international conservation leadership from Sri Lanka builds on the listing last November of thresher sharks on theConvention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS). Thresher sharks have been identified by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as the world’s most vulnerable family of sharks, so the proposal by Sri Lanka is badly needed.
“This action will help ensure that thresher sharks survive,” said Gamini Jayawickrama Perera, Minister of Sustainable Development and Wildlife, Sri Lanka. “We see severe declines in our waters and have acted to fully protect these slow-growing sharks. We want to make sure that governments around the world work together to either fully protect or limit the catch of thresher sharks to sustainable levels, so that they survive for generations to come.”
At the conclusion of the meeting, the ministers agreed on a declaration stating their joint aim to protect the Indian Ocean’s sharks and rays, both in their own waters and through collective, international action. This declaration included further leadership from the Maldives, who committed to support this Sri Lankan thresher shark proposal, and also take decisive action themselves by proposing that the silky shark is also offered protection under CITES.
“With huge quantities of sharks still killed in the region annually, the commitments made in this declaration, and the follow-up actions that need to happen in the coming months and years will be crucial if sharks are to survive and recover in the Indian Ocean,” said Mohamed Shainee, Maldives Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture.
“The Maldives has already taken a lead in regional shark management through the creation of a shark and ray sanctuary, so these species are protected in our waters. We now are reaping the benefits of a thriving ecotourism sector. We now want the world to join us in protecting sharks and rays, starting with the adoption of these CITES Proposals at the CoP next year,” Minister Shainee added.
“As noted in the declaration, the Maldives will be proposing that silky sharks are protected through a CITES Appendix II listing – these are key sharks that keep our tuna fisheries healthy, and we want to see them protected and sustainably managed globally,” added Thoriq Ibrahim, Maldives Minister of Environment and Energy.
Adaaran Resorts in the Maldives has achieved a remarkable milestone in sustainable tourism, with all four resorts receiving the prestigious Green Globe Certification. This accolade highlights the resorts’ unwavering dedication to sustainability and their leadership in responsible tourism practices within one of the world’s most pristine marine environments.
The four resorts — Adaaran Prestige Vadoo, Adaaran Select Meedhupparu, Adaaran Select Hudhuran Fushi, and Adaaran Club Rannalhi — have each received certification under the Green Globe Standard 1.7, achieving scores exceeding 86%. This exemplifies their exceptional commitment to sustainability across all operational facets. The four resorts have implemented comprehensive initiatives to minimize its environmental impact. These efforts encompass the eradication of single-use plastics, the establishment of rainwater harvesting systems, and the use of native plant landscaping to preserve local biodiversity and coral restoration projects.
Stasshani Jayawardena, Jt. Deputy Chairperson and Jt. Managing Director of Aitken Spence Hotel Holdings shared her views stating, “In achieving the Green Globe sustainability certification for all our Maldives properties in 2024, we underscore our steadfast commitment to integrating sustainable practices across our operations. The achivement of this tourism-specific sustainability standard for all Maldives properties validates our commitment to sustainability and reinforces our role as a responsible steward of the Maldives’ pristine environment. At Aitken Spence Hotels, we are dedicated to setting a benchmark in sustainable tourism, ensuring our guests enjoy transformative and immerisve experiences while preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of all the destinations we operate in.”
The Green Globe Certification, globally recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, sets rigorous standards and employs comprehensive assessment criteria to evaluate sustainable performance across economic, social, and environmental dimensions in the tourism and hospitality sectors. Certified properties adhere to high standards of sustainability, community engagement, and cultural preservation.
Heritance Hotels and Resorts is the flagship brand of Aitken Spence Hotels, a part of Aitken Spence PLC, a leading Sri Lankan blue-chip conglomerate. Aitken Spence Hotels oversees a diverse collection of 17 hotels and resorts across Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Oman and India, through its diverse collection of brands – Heritance Hotels and Resorts, Adaaran Resorts, and Turyaa. Heritance Hotels & Resorts stands as the custodian of the largest portfolio of Bawa designed hotels in Sri Lanka, adding a touch of architectural distinction to its rich offerings.
Centara Hotels and Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has announced the grand opening of Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives on November 01, 2024. The latest addition to Centara’s family-focused Mirage properties, this stunning new underwater world-themed paradise invites guests to experience its unique blend of fun and adventure with the exclusive “Me & Centara” introductory offer, where children stay, play, and dine for free, and guests enjoy up to 25 per cent off the best available room rates along with a variety of exciting introductory perks.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives boasts an array of family-centric activities and facilities designed to entertain guests of all ages. Families will delight in the expansive outdoor water complex, with a refreshing outdoor swimming pool, kids’ pool, a meandering lazy river, and a water playground. Little ones have their own Kids’ Club and Game Room, while parents have access to the fully-equipped fitness centre and rejuvenating SPA Cenvaree.
The resort also serves a diverse selection of dining options, including international all-day dining at The Sailhouse, fresh seafood and Italian at Acqua, modern Thai cuisine at Suan Bua, and Mediterranean mezzes designed for sharing at the overwater Mirage Beach Bar. Refreshing drinks are available poolside at Dolphin Bar, while Scoops ice cream parlour has the perfect sweet treats to end the day.
Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives offers 145 spacious beach and overwater villas, each with modern amenities, a dining table, plush beds, and a private outdoor bathtub, jacuzzi, or pool for the ultimate relaxation. Families will appreciate the convenience of bunk beds in all Family room types, while private terraces, connecting rooms and wheelchair-accessible options are also available
To celebrate its grand opening, Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives is offering guests up to 25 per cent off best available room rates, plus complimentary stays and meals for up to two children aged 15 and under. CentaraThe1 members will also enjoy an additional 15 per cent discount. This exclusive ‘Me & Centara’ offer runs from now until December 15, 2024, for stays between November 01, 2024, to October 31, 2025.
Once again celebrating its position as a beacon for sensorial luxury amidst the timeless beauty of the Indian Ocean, Vakkaru Maldives has announced its elegant wine cellar, Vakkaru Reserve, has been recognised by the prestigious Wine Spectator magazine with the Best of Award of Excellence for 2024.
Received for the fourth time, this accolade salutes the unwavering commitment of Vakkaru Reserve to creating immersive and educational experiences among its carefully curated collection. Covering more than 680 labels from 15 countries across the old and new worlds, Vakkaru Reserve cares for an extensive wine list featuring modern masterpieces beside rare vintages including the 1974 and 1985 Château Cheval Blanc, the 2002 Louis Roederer Cristal Brut, and the 2002 Krug Clos du Mesnil.
A haven of delicious flavours housed in a distinguished wooden building just steps from the ocean, Vakkaru Reserve wine cellar accommodates intimate groups inside or on the candlelit terrace surrounded by gently swaying palms. Guided tastings, wine-paired degustation dinners, and sommelier-led matched menus are some of the exquisite occasions available to guests’ eager to enrich their island stay by embracing every precious sensation.
Enchanting wine evenings held at Vakkaru Reserve in 2024 include handcrafted five and six-course menus featuring Black Angus or Wagyu beef tenderloin complete with amuse bouchée, canapés, Champagne and a paired glass for every dish. After the meal, the terrace is for indulging in the cellar’s cigar collection under the glimmering stars.
Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher, Wine Spectator comments: “Restaurants that make wine a priority are what the Wine Spectator Restaurant Awards program is all about. I’m pleased to congratulate Vakkaru Reserve for their dedication to wine and exemplary wine lists.”
Head Sommelier Retheesh Mohanan says: “Since our opening in 2018, we have relished sharing the sensational pleasures of our wonderful wines alongside the intricate creations of our exceptional chefs in the sophisticated setting of Vakkaru Reserve. To have our achievements recognised by Wine Spectator for a fourth time is a source of pride only surpassed by the smiles we receive from each guest who steps through our doors.”
Vakkaru Reserve is one of eight sublime restaurants and bars waiting to be experienced within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve of Baa Atoll where the idyllic resort of Vakkaru Maldives is ringed with powder-soft white sands just a 30-minute seaplane flight from Male International Airport.
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