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World Seagrass Day marks four years of seagrass conservation efforts in Maldives, what happens now?
Four years ago, Six Senses Laamu, alongside 36 other tourist resorts, pledged to protect and promote Maldives seagrass meadows as a vital resource. The #ProtectMaldivesSeagrass campaign, launched by Six Senses Laamu and Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), aimed to raise awareness of the importance of these habitats and to encourage resorts to protect their meadows, using them as an attraction, rather than removing them.
The campaign focused on positive messaging, drawing from research and examples from across the world, to support the benefits of meadows to the Maldives economy, people, and environment. There is a wealth of research illustrating the benefits of seagrass to a myriad of marine life, from tiny snails and crabs, up to some ocean giants such as sea turtles and sharks.
“As a primary producer, seagrasses and the algae that grows on them form the base of a food chain that directly nourishes small grazing animals” explains Dr Paul York from James Cook University, Australia, who first visited Laamu’s seagrass meadows in early 2019. “These small creatures further support rays, fish and sharks; it really is a complex network leading all the way up to humans.”
“We are only just beginning to understand the value of seagrasses for Maldivian fisheries. In 2019, we recorded 141 species of fish in the seagrass meadows of Laamu Atoll. Up to 80 per cent of these were juveniles, including commercially important species like snappers, emperors, and groupers” explains Shaha Hashim, Maldives Programme Manager, BLUE.
Some of the larger animals are a huge draw to tourists, as evident at Six Senses Laamu where guests often comment on spotting green sea turtles, schools of sting rays and sharks from the villa decks near the meadows. In an effort to help guests connect with all marine ecosystems, the marine biologists at Six Senses Laamu conduct weekly seagrass snorkels and presentations for guests, in addition to including seagrass as a topic within the many kids’ programs at the resort.
“Seagrass is a great place to take kids in particular, it’s safe, shallow and there’s so much to see. “Kids can explore and see the whole ecosystem up close and even do their own mini-research projects in the meadows in a way that you cannot on a coral reef” explains Greg Holder, Six Senses Laamu’s Guest Education Coordinator, and host of the Junior Marine Biology program at the resort.
Despite this, it is no secret that things are changing across Maldives, as coral reef struggle to keep up with temperature rises, and increased storm surges erode islands faster than before. Nothing is more vital to altering this path than those that have been compensating for carbon emissions since the dawn of time.
“Seagrass ecosystems not only capture carbon, but they bury is for millennia” Peter Macreadie, the director of Blue Carbon Lab, Australia, explains. “If Maldives wants to start working towards changing the current trend of environmental impacts, it needs to start by protecting and promoting with these Blue Carbon ecosystems, seagrass meadows and mangrove forests”.
Following the COVID-19 closures, the Maldives tourism industry is back on its feet again and bringing with it thousands of guests from across the globe. “Resorts are open, guests are coming, now is the time to get back to focusing on these big conservation and environmental aims” explains Pip Roe, Head of Marine Conservation for Six Senses Laamu. “In the wake of the pandemic, guests are seeking transformative experiences when they travel. They want to learn, and they want to help, and they want to see their resort is helping too.”
Pip and the team hope to use events such as World Seagrass Day to raise awareness of the issue Maldives faces, and how guests and local communities can help. This year, Six Senses Laamu and BLUE will be sharing a media and information pack for resorts and organizations to share on social media. They will also be introducing a nation-wide seagrass monitoring initiative to provide vital information about just how important seagrass is to the country.
In celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day on 18 July 2026, Coco Bodu Hithi invites certified women divers to come together for a meaningful morning beneath the surface, combining marine conservation with the joy of exploring the ocean in one of the Maldives’ most vibrant natural environments.
Inspired by this year’s global theme, “Celebrate Community. Create Change.”, the resort’s Women of the Ocean Reef Clean-Up Dive encourages to connect through shared passion for the underwater world while making a positive impact on the environment. Designed exclusively for certified women divers, the guided reef clean-up dive offers the opportunity to explore Coco Bodu Hithi’s biodiverse house reef while helping remove debris and protect its delicate ecosystem.
At the heart of it all is Coco Dive, the resort’s PADI-certified dive centre, where guests can discover the beauty and wonders of the Maldives through safe, personalised and memorable underwater adventures. Whether taking their very first breath below the surface or exploring advanced dive sites, guests are guided by an experienced, multilingual team of instructors dedicated to creating unforgettable diving experiences.
Just minutes from the resort, divers can access almost 30 renowned dive sites, home to vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including hawksbill turtles, white-tip and grey reef sharks, eagle rays, barracuda, Napoleon fish, schools of blue-striped snappers, batfish and fusiliers. Guests looking to begin their marine adventures can also start their certification before arrival through PADI eLearning, allowing them to spend more time exploring the ocean once they reach the Maldives.
“At Coco Bodu Hithi, we believe every dive is an opportunity to build a deeper connection with the ocean,” said Jinn Hui, Dive Base Leader for Coco Bodu Hithi. “PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrates the growing community of women in diving while reminding us that small actions, such as removing debris, can make a meaningful difference to the health of our reefs.”
The activity is available at the resort’s standard single-dive rate and includes a personalised certificate of participation and a complimentary dive video, allowing guests to take home lasting memories of a meaningful day beneath the surface.
Rooted in Coco Collection’s truly Maldivian heritage, Coco Bodu Hithi continues to bring guests closer to nature through experiences that inspire a deeper appreciation for the Maldives and its fragile marine habitat.
Located in North Malé Atoll, just 35 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Coco Bodu Hithi invites guests to unwind in spacious villas with up to 30% savings through the Discover Coco offer or enjoy exclusive benefits with the Local & Expat Exclusives package. Visit cococollection.com or contact reservations@cococollection.com for further enquiries.
This July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru reaffirm their long-standing commitment to protecting the Maldives through a month of conservation initiatives that inspire guests to become active stewards of the ocean.
Plastic Free July: Protecting the Maldives’ Blue Heart
As per UNDP, each year, the Maldives generates more than 43,000 tonnes of plastic waste – equivalent to the weight of approximately 215 blue whales and nearly 120 tons per day. For a country whose future depends on healthy oceans, reducing plastic pollution is essential to protecting marine biodiversity, and preserving the natural beauty that defines the Maldives.
Throughout July, guests are invited to take part in weekly Sunset Island Beach Cleans and Reef Cleans with our Marine Lab, helping remove marine plastic trash while learning about the importance of protecting the fragile coastal and reef ecosystems. The programme also includes a collaboration with a local sustainable NGO, showcasing how discarded plastic can be transformed into artwork, jewellery, and other meaningful products through creativity and circular design.
Shark Awareness Day: Why Sharks Matter
On 14 July, the resorts will mark Shark Awareness Day in collaboration with Miyaru, the Maldives’ leading shark research and conservation NGO. While sharks are often portrayed as dangerous, they are in fact among the ocean’s most important guardians.
By naturally regulating fish populations, sharks help keep coral reef ecosystems healthy and balanced. Without them, the delicate food chain can be disrupted, affecting everything from reef fish and coral health to the countless marine species that depend on these habitats. Healthy shark populations are also a sign of a thriving ocean—one that supports local fisheries, protects biodiversity, and sustains the world-renowned diving and snorkelling experiences that make the Maldives so unique.
Through engaging talks with Miyaru’s marine experts, guests will discover fascinating facts about Maldivian sharks, understand the challenges they face, and learn how conservation efforts are helping protect these often misunderstood guardians of healthy oceans.
Mangrove Conservation Day: 26 July
As part of Plastic Free July, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru will also celebrate the International Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem on 26 July through a community mangrove planting and cleanup initiative with Huraa Council.
Mangroves are among the Maldives’ most valuable natural ecosystems, serving as nurseries for marine life, protecting coastlines from erosion, filtering pollutants, and strengthening resilience against climate change. Together with reef conservation and plastic reduction, the initiative reinforces the importance of protecting every part of the marine ecosystem—from the shoreline to the reef.
More than a month of activities, Plastic Free July reflects Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru and Dhawa Ihuru’s enduring commitment to preserving the Maldives’ rich marine heritage – bringing together guests, local communities, and conservation partners to protect the ocean through collective action.
InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its new padel court, adding a fresh dimension to island wellness and offering guests a dynamic new way to stay active in paradise.
Now with over 30 million players worldwide, padel is one of the fastest growing sports, offering a fun and inclusive activity for beginners and experts alike. The brand new court is framed by Maldivian palm trees and white sand, creating a striking backdrop for both leisurely matches and spirited competition.
Complimentary for all guests, the court includes the use of premium rackets and balls, allowing guests to discover a new skill in a tropical island setting. Families are invited to enjoy dedicated on-court sessions designed for all ages to create memorable, shared experiences. Benches line the court, creating a comfortable space for spectators to watch and support friends and family.
Located beside InterContinental Maldives’ fitness centre with its state-of-the-art gym, personal training programmes, and aerobic workout sessions, the new padel court aims to enhance the resort’s distinctive approach to luxury, wellbeing and curated guest experiences.
Overwater Pool Villa starting from $1,290++ per night with a variety of inclusions. The padel court is complimentary
for guests.
For more information, please visit www.maldives.intercontinental.com or email reservations.icmaldives@ihg.com.
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