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Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru hosts historic ministerial meetings prior to CoP17 Global Summit or Sharks and Rays
Maldives.net.mv – The government of the Maldives is hosting a historic meeting of senior international officials at Four SeasonsResort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru on August 23, 2016 – 30 days before the world gathers in Johannesburg, South Africa, to vote on proposals to list silky sharks, thresher sharks and mobula rays at the 17th Conference of the Parties (CoP17) of the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species of Fauna and Flora (CITES).
Ministers and senior officials from the Maldives will welcome their counterparts from Bangladesh, Benin, Burkina Faso, Ecuador, Fiji, India, Mauritania, Senegal and Sri Lanka to the Baa Atoll UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve to discuss the crisis facing these species. Some of the attendees hail from nations with large fisheries while others with ecotourism contributing a large part to their GDP; yet no matter their background, they are gathering to reiterate that shark conservation is a priority issue worldwide.
Media are invited to join a tele-conference call from 11.30am – 12:30pm MVT (Malé time) on August 23, 2016.
Available for tele-conference interviews are:
- Honourable Minister Thoriq Ibrahim, Ministry of Environment and Energy, Maldives
- Chandrasiri Bandara, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Wildlife and Sustainable Development, Sri Lanka
- Honourable Associate Minister Lorna Eden, Ministry of Local Government, Housing and Environment, Fiji
- Luke Warwick, Director of The Pew Charitable Trusts, Global Shark Conservation Campaign, USA
Achmat Hassiem, a South African Paralympic medalist who lost his leg to a great white shark, and Virgin Founder Richard Branson are also slated to open the meeting via video messages. Over the past year, both have been outspoken about the need for further CITES protection for vulnerable shark species, and continue to voice their support. These video messages will be available for viewing by media.
About The Event
The Global Summit on Sharks and Rays at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru will be the first time these leaders have gathered outside of their region to focus on a pan-global discussion to ensure sharks and rays are a priority at this year’s CITES CoP.
These three proposals are already groundbreaking. Four years ago, it was thought to be near impossible to obtain global protection for commercially traded shark species under CITES. And now, never before in the history of CITES have any proposals garnered as much co-sponsor support – with 50 countries signed as co-proponents of at least one of the three proposals.
The arguments for support are significant. Despite each species suffering declines of up to 70 percent in all their known habitats, current fishery management measures have failed to adequately protect them. Globally, more than 100 million sharks continue to be killed annually, largely unregulated.
An Appendix II CITES listing will help ensure that the trade of thresher sharks, silky sharks and mobula rays is capped at sustainable levels – almost 10 percent of the global shark fin trade – so they may survive to benefit generations to come.
In the past month alone, African, Pacific and Latin American countries have met regionally to coordinate their support for these listings. This global summit will create a single voice that accurately harnesses the worldwide momentum and support for effective and enforceable shark protection worldwide.
For more information, visit www.pewtrusts.org/CITES2016
Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, has on April 1 officially opened Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives with an exclusive introductory offer. Guests are invited to experience this tranquil island retreat with special privileges and premium benefits, including Stay 4, Pay 3 and Stay 7, Pay 5 packages, upgrades, and more, for a limited time only.
Representing the final piece in Centara’s vision of offering extraordinary experiences across four distinctive properties in the Maldives, each catering to unique traveller preferences, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives features 142 elegantly designed beachfront and overwater accommodations that perfectly complement the natural beauty of the surroundings. This private island sanctuary seamlessly blends Thai-inspired hospitality with Maldivian allure, inviting guests to indulge in world-class dining across multiple restaurants and bars, and experience rejuvenating wellness journeys at the serene Spa Cenvaree Retreat.
The opening of this stunning property also signifies the completion of The Atollia by Centara Hotels & Resorts, a visionary project set to redefine experiential travel in this breathtaking destination. As part of this exclusive multi-island destination, Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives blends sophisticated tranquillity with immersive experiences, catering to discerning travellers seeking a refined escape while also granting guests unprecedented access to the thrilling water attractions and vibrant facilities of neighbouring Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives.
“We are thrilled to officially welcome guests to Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives this April,” said Andrew Jansson, Cluster General Manager of Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives & Centara Mirage Lagoon Maldives. “From our picturesque beachfront and overwater villas to our exquisite dining and holistic wellness journeys, our team has worked tirelessly to ensure every aspect of this magnificent property exceeds expectations. We look forward to offering travellers a truly distinctive experience that captures the essence of both Centara’s signature warm hospitality and the beauty of this Maldivian paradise.”
To celebrate the grand opening, Centara invites guests to take advantage of its Grand Island Indulgence: Exclusive Introductory Offer. Book from now until 30th June 2025 for stays between 1st April and 15th October 2025 and enjoy the privilege of staying 4 nights while only paying for 3, or extend your escape with Stay 7, Pay 5. This offer also includes meal plan upgrades, complimentary champagne and couples’ massages, exclusive access to The Club, a choice of an ocean excursion, plus extra perks for CentaraThe1 members and more.
For more information about Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives or to make a reservation, please visit https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/cglm/introductoryoffer.
Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites families to embrace the spirit of Easter with an exciting line-up of activities and themed experiences from 18 to 24 April 2025. Set on a private island in the South Malé Atoll, the resort offers the perfect setting for a memorable tropical Easter escape.
A Week of Wholesome Adventures at Kandoo Kids’ Club
The Easter celebrations centre around the Kandoo Kids’ Club, open daily from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm for children aged 4 to 12. Supervised by a caring and energetic team, it will offer a rotating schedule of themed activities, including nature exploration, wellness-focused fun, traditional Maldivian experiences, Easter celebrations, and ocean discovery that little VIPs will surely enjoy.
Island-Wide Easter Fun
Families can enjoy a week full of island-wide Easter activities. On Easter Sunday, 20 April, guests can participate in Easter card making, egg painting and decoration, and a festive Easter Egg Hunt. The evening will conclude with an International Easter Dinner Buffet at Kandooma Café, showcasing a diverse selection of global flavours, from roast lamb and seafood to bunny-themed treats and indulgent desserts.
Throughout the week, guests can also participate in various recreational activities, including sunset cruises, snorkelling adventures, volleyball matches, and an Easter-themed movie night under the stars.
Mark Eletr, General Manager of Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, shared: “Easter is a time for families to come together, and at Kandooma, we’re proud to offer a setting where guests of all ages can connect, celebrate, and create special memories. Our team puts great care into crafting meaningful experiences, especially for our younger guests, and we’re excited to welcome families for a truly unforgettable Easter week.”
Plan the Perfect Family Escape
Families looking to make the most of Easter at Kandooma Maldives are encouraged to take advantage of the Family Getaway package. This special offer includes family-friendly accommodation, thoughtful amenities, memorable island experiences, and the added benefit of kids staying and dining for free. Terms and conditions apply.
For bookings and more information, visit https://maldives.holidayinnresorts.com/hotel-offers/family-getaway/. For the full Easter 2025 Brochure, visit https://holidayinn.aflip.in/HIRKM_EasterBrochure.html.
News
Celebrate sustainability, exclusive offers, meaningful connections at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru, renowned for their luxury hospitality and sustainability ethos, continue to set benchmarks in eco-luxury experiences, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Named Top 10 Maldives Resort by DestinAsian 2025
Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has been honoured as one of the Top 10 Best Maldives Resorts at the prestigious DestinAsian Readers’ Choice Awards 2025, voted by luxury travellers from Asia-Pacific region. This accolade underscores the resort’s commitment to delivering authentic barefoot eco-luxury experiences while championing environmental conservation and fostering deep connections within the local community.
Exclusive Offer: Stay More, Pay Less, Save up to 30%
Guests planning an extended tropical getaway can now take advantage of the enticing “Stay More, Pay Less” offer available at both Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru. This special promotion invites travellers to indulge longer in unparalleled luxury and experience the Original Maldives while enjoying savings of up to 30%, 100 USD resort credits along with other additional exclusive benefits. Full details of these exceptional offers can be found on the resorts’ official websites:
A Memorable Media Iftar Gathering
On 20 March 2025, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru proudly hosted a special Media Iftar Gathering to express heartfelt appreciation for the immense contributions of local media partners. The evening commenced with a warm Iftar at Sangu Garden, followed by a tranquil gathering at Madi Hiyaa – paying tribute to the media’s vital role in shaping and promoting Maldivian tourism both locally and beyond.
Honouring Earth Hour 2025
Reflecting a profound commitment to sustainability, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru joined millions worldwide in observing Earth Hour on 22nd March. Guests and associates began the evening with a serene sunset meditation. Following this peaceful reflection, a soulful acoustic performance illuminated by candlelight captivated attendees. As the resort lights dimmed, the shoreline came alive with beautifully illuminated 60+ signage, symbolising global unity in conservation and underscoring the powerful impact of collective, purposeful action.
Community Clean-up at Huraa Island
Reaffirming their dedication to environmental stewardship, associates and guests from both resorts joined the local community on Huraa Island for a significant clean-up effort. Working closely with the Huraa island council and local residents, the enthusiastic team collected nearly 100 kilograms of waste from critical mangrove areas. This monthly initiative reflects Banyan Tree Group’s ongoing commitment to “Embracing the Environment,” consistently demonstrated over the past 30 years.
Empowering Future Conservationists
In support of cultivating the next generation of marine conservationists, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru hosted an educational visit from Himmafushi High School. Students and teachers participated in an interactive coral biology workshop, which included insightful sessions on the “Story of the Maldives,” marine conservation, and practical coral micro-fragmentation training. The programme concluded with students planting 110 coral fragments in the resort’s nursery, reinforcing their role as future environmental stewards.
Whether you’re seeking serene sanctuary, enriching experiences, or a deeper connection with the natural world and your loved ones, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru invite you to escape, explore, and rediscover the Original Maldives in barefoot eco-luxury.
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