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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.
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Siyam World kicks off August with star-studded football camps

No shoes, no stress, just goals! This August, Siyam World Maldives is turning up the heat with not one, not two, but three football legends taking over the island for exclusive five-day Football Residence Camps – Wayne Bridge, Kean Bryan, Andrew Johnson.
Wayne Bridge | August 1–5
A former England international and Premier League left-back with over 300 top-flight appearances, Wayne is best known for his time at Chelsea, Manchester City, and Southampton. His elite-level experience, from Champions League nights to FA Cup triumphs, makes him the ultimate coach for young players looking to level up.
Kean Bryan | August 11–15
A midfield dynamo with a Premier League pedigree, Kean’s career includes spells at Manchester City, Sheffield United, and West Brom. Known for his technical skill and tactical brain, he brings a youth-focused approach packed with energy, precision, and motivation.
Andrew Johnson (AJ) | August 17–21
A former England striker and Crystal Palace legend, AJ lit up the Premier League with his pace and goal-scoring flair. His sessions will bring fast-paced drills, goal-scoring tips, and a whole lot of fun to the pitch.
Each 5-day camp for kids between 5 and 12 years, takes place on the resort’s own World Sports Arena, as part of their exclusive Football Residences programme, designed to inspire the next generation of football stars while having the time of their lives in paradise. Spots are limited, and trust us, they’ll go fast. Give your child the chance to train with football legends, make lifelong friends, and experience the magic of the Maldives—because this is one match they won’t want to miss.
Siyam World has already hosted some of the biggest names in football, with past camps featuring stars like: Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rio Ferdinand, Owen Hargreaves, Daniel Agger or Esteban Cambiasso. Joining this incredible lineup, those football legends in August are making Siyam World the go-to destination for football-obsessed kids and their families.
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Making waves all summer long: Manta rays, mini explorers take over The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives

At The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, July isn’t just another sunny month – it’s when the ocean comes alive. Manta season is in full swing, and Hanifaru Bay (just a splash away from the resort) becomes host to hundreds of reef manta rays performing underwater ballet. Offering a front row seat to all the action is the resort’s Manta Ray Watching Experience package available through October 31.
Suitable for confident snorkelers aged 12+, the three-hour excursion includes roundtrip speedboat rides and all the ocean wonder you can handle. Located in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Hanifaru Bay’s shape works like a plankton magnet, drawing in marine life for one of the largest known manta feeding frenzies on the planet. As you float just meters above the action, graceful giants barrel rolling through plankton-rich waters in synchrony, with whale sharks making cameo appearances.
Beyond the waves
Kids under 12 are safe from FOMO with the return of the Summer Camp, running from July 1 to August 31. Creative energy gets channeled into arts, crafts, pottery and even directing resort-wide film shorts. Young adventurers can zen out in Lil’ Yogis, work out on the water with SUP, swing rackets with Tennis Titans or shake it off with Zumba. Mini chefs can dive into sushi, cupcake, pizza and mocktail workshops. And those craving star power can choose between karaoke showdowns and splashy pool parties. Language games and Maldivian drumming sessions sneak in a little learning with all that fun.
Family stays
Awarded the ‘Best Resort for Families’ by T+L Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2023, The Standard Huruvalhi, Maldives makes finding family-friendly accommodation a breeze. Lagoon Overwater Villas are suspended above crystal-clear waters, Ocean Overwater Villas take you from bed straight to the house reef, and Beach Villas are perfect for private poolside moments in lush tropical greenery. Finally, multigenerational families will find just the right balance of privacy and togetherness at the sprawling
The Standard Residence.
Applicable for two adults and two kids below 12 years old (an additional charge of USD 285 per night applies to older kids), the ‘Families That Stay Together’ package includes accommodation in an overwater or beachfront villa, an All-Inclusive Plus Meal Plan, free water sports, laundry and spa credit. Over at Lil’ Shark Kids Club, youngsters dive into complimentary activities ranging from high-energy fun to creative pursuits – whether ruling the roost in the playroom, splashing in the paddling pool, digging into the sandy park or winding down in the movie den. Beyond daily adventures like cooking classes, babysitting services are also available for $35 per hour.
For more information on the Manta Ray Experience, priced at $250 per person, please click here. For the full summer camp programme, visit the link. To book your accommodation, please click here.
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Consistently awarded, beyond compare: Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef

Recently recognised among the Best House Reefs in the Maldives by the Travel + Leisure Luxury Awards Asia Pacific 2025, the house reef at Machchafushi Island Resort & Spa, The Centara Collection (formerly known as Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa), offers an extraordinary experience for divers and snorkelers alike. The South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is renowned for its exceptional diving sites, snorkelling, and marine adventures, and the resort’s house reef only enhances this natural beauty with its rich marine biodiversity, thriving coral gardens, and easy access from the shore.

The Machchafushi house reef is approximately five times larger than the island itself, encircling a breathtaking lagoon. Most of the coral reef lies on a gentle slope, descending to depths of 15 – 20m, where it then flattens out into a sandy seabed. At around 30m from the top of the reef, guests can explore a remarkable shipwreck. This sunken treasure is home to a variety of marine species, including glassfish, stonefish and nurse sharks.
Among the largest coral species found on any house reef, the Machchafushi house reef is home to rare varieties such as Acropora granulosa and Acropora latistella, found exclusively on the wreck. The surrounding coral gardens showcase vibrant Blue Coral and Staghorn Coral, creating a stunning display of marine biodiversity.

Marine life thrives around the house reef, with seven resident Nurse sharks, including three adults, one sub-adult, and three juveniles. White Tip Reef sharks, the most curious of the reef’s sharks, are often seen coming close to snorkelers and divers. Other notable species include
Black Tip sharks, Lemon sharks, Leopard sharks, Guitar sharks, and various rays. The Black Blotched Stingrays, known for their friendly nature despite their large size, are a common sight, especially around feeding areas and the reef’s shallow waters. The barbless male rays are particularly known for their gentle interactions with guests.

Sustainability is at the heart of Machchafushi Island Resort’s philosophy. Coral protection, reef conservation, and restoration projects are continuously rolled out, ensuring that the house reef remains a thriving ecosystem for future generations. Guests are regularly educated about the reef’s delicate ecosystem, its abundant marine life, and the resort’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable practices.
Sharing his views, Cluster General Manager of Machchafushi Island Resort and Spa, Francesco Pompilio said, “This honour reflects not only the natural beauty of our house reef, but also the unwavering commitment of our team to its protection and preservation. Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and we remain dedicated to safeguarding this vibrant marine sanctuary for generations to come. We are deeply grateful to our guests for their continued trust and patronage.”

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Machchafushi Island Resort’s house reef, where exceptional diving, vibrant coral gardens, and abundant marine life meet, all set against the backdrop of the Maldives’ unparalleled natural beauty.
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