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Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru hosts historic ministerial meetings prior to CoP17 Global Summit or Sharks and Rays

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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

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COLOURS OF OBLU’s 3 resorts in Maldives win British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award

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It is a triple celebration at COLOURS OF OBLU, as not one but three of its stunning sister resorts have been honoured with the prestigious British Airways Holidays Customer Excellence Award for 2024.

British Airways Holidays is one of the UK’s leading tour operators, and prides itself on taking its customers’ holidays seriously. It uses unbiased, independently verified customer feedback to carefully identify top-rated hotels as part of its commitment to provide high-quality holidays.

OBLU SELECT Lobigili has received a perfect score of 5 out of 5. Both OBLU SELECT Sangeli and OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO scored an impressive 4.7 out of 5, based purely on genuine guest reviews. This recognition puts them amongst the crème de la crème of British Airways Holidays partners worldwide – no small feat considering over 72,000 reviews were collected this year.

OBLU SELECT Lobigili is a romantic adults’ exclusive resort just a short 15-minute journey from Malé International Airport. Travellers can indulge in a palette of vibrant experiences, from colourful sunsets to exotic under ocean dining at Only BLU, from snorkelling at the marine-rich house reef to relaxing in the garden spa. “This recognition would not have been possible without the dedication and passion of our hardworking team, who continuously strive to deliver exceptional experiences to each guest,” said Christopher Baker, General Manager OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi and OBLU SELECT Lobigili.

Nestled in the pristine North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli offers a chic and vibrant island escape with contemporary villas, a separate One Banyan adults-only island, and gourmet dine-around options. It is no wonder guests have fallen in love with this tropical haven. “Our team works tirelessly to ensure every guest has a magical, memorable holiday. Knowing that our guests have rated us so highly is the greatest compliment we could ask for,” said Jenni Hartatik, General Manager OBLU SELECT Sangeli.

Meanwhile, just a short speedboat ride from Malé, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO continues to impress with its unique island character, vibrant house reef, and down-to-earth, barefoot charm. Known for its incredible diving and snorkelling right off the beach, it’s a paradise for underwater enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Reflecting on the award, Alain Camille Trefois, General Manager OBLU NATURE Helengeli said, “this award is a reflection of our passionate team, the beauty of Helengeli island, and the unforgettable experiences we strive to deliver every single day”.

COLOURS OF OBLU, a lifestyle hospitality brand by Atmosphere Core, is an experience collective that creates Vibrant Destinations designed to awaken the senses, bring balance, and provide the gift of lifetime memories. Travellers can choose from four vivid and refreshing island resort experiences at OBLU SELECT Lobigili, OBLU SELECT Sangeli, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, and OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi.

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Maldives island featured on Google Earth Day doodle

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Google marked Earth Day on Tuesday with a special doodle highlighting selected natural landscapes from around the world, including a site from the Maldives.

The doodle used satellite images to form the letters of the word “Google,” with each letter represented by a distinct geographical location. The capital “G” was illustrated using the uninhabited island of Eriyadhoo in Shaviyani Atoll, Maldives.

The image chosen for Eriyadhoo shows the island surrounded by white sand and turquoise waters, forming a shape resembling the first letter of Google’s name.

Other locations featured in the doodle included an O-shaped river in the French mountains for the first “O” and a section of the wilderness area in Quebec, Canada, for the second “O.” The second “G” was shaped by a mountain river in Argentina. The “L” depicted part of the mountainous terrain in the US state of Utah, while the final “E” was represented by a remote area in New South Wales, Australia.

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Rosamund Pike escapes to paradise at Patina Maldives

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Award-winning British actress Rosamund Pike recently traded the bustle of London for the serene turquoise waters of the Maldives, enjoying a picture-perfect escape at the luxurious Patina Maldives, Fari Islands. The “Gone Girl” star shared a dreamy video on social media, offering fans a glimpse into her idyllic tropical retreat—and it’s everything a Maldivian holiday should be.

In the video, Rosamund is seen immersing herself in the full island experience. From soaking up the sun at a private overwater villa to cruising on a dolphin-watching tour, biking along palm-lined paths, snorkeling with manta rays, and diving alongside sea turtles, it’s clear she embraced the magic of the Maldives. She even took to the waves on a water scooter, channeling her adventurous side in the most scenic setting imaginable.

Pike captioned her post with heartfelt reflection: “I left London on my very last ember and had a holiday of magical dimensions! The Maldives offer a glimpse of paradise, an escape from rush. @patinamaldives is a destination I have sought out three times; to practice doing nothing in preparation for playing Elspeth and this time to recover from doing too much. It is a heaven on your own terms— and I washed all my cares in salt and rinsed my soul in the sea. Here is a glimpse of bliss as I see it.”

Rosamund Pike is no stranger to immersive roles and demanding projects. Known for her powerful performances in films like Pride & Prejudice, Gone Girl, and the fantasy series The Wheel of Time, her career has spanned decades and earned critical acclaim. With such a busy professional life, it’s no wonder she finds solace and renewal at Patina Maldives.

Set in the pristine Fari Islands, Patina Maldives is a modern sanctuary that blends understated luxury with a deep connection to nature. Designed by renowned Brazilian architect Marcio Kogan, the resort offers minimalist aesthetics, eco-conscious living, and transformative experiences. Its overwater villas and beachfront retreats provide the ultimate in privacy and comfort, while curated wellness, art, and culinary journeys cater to mindful travelers seeking more than just a getaway.

For Rosamund Pike, Patina Maldives isn’t just a destination—it’s a refuge. Her third visit to the resort speaks volumes of its allure, where moments of stillness are as treasured as moments of adventure. As she puts it, it’s “a heaven on your own terms.”

Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature, indulge in marine adventures, or simply float into a state of bliss, Rosamund’s Maldivian escape is all the inspiration you need.

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