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Olive Ridley Project’s marine biologist Neus Segura joins Fairmont Maldives Sirru Fen Fushi
As we move into 2023 and sustainable travel experiences continue to become increasingly sought out, those wishing to travel more purposefully should look no further than Fairmont Maldives, Sirru Fen Fushi. Following the launch of a series of pioneering sustainable initiatives including the Sustainability Lab, Coralarium and Turtle Ranger Programme, the resort is delighted to welcome Neus Segura as its new marine biologist. A sea turtle biologist and guest educator from the Olive Ridley Project, the leading NGO for Turtle Research and Conservation in the Maldives, Neus’s appointment further strengthens Fairmont Maldives’ ongoing partnership with the charity.
The Olive Ridley Project is an organisation dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats through a combination of scientific research, rescue and rehabilitation, and CSR Community outreach programmes. Having submitted photo data over the last 5 years of the resident turtle population, Fairmont Maldives is honoured to continue its ongoing partnership with the Olive Ridley Project by welcoming one of their very own turtle biologists, Neus Segura. The partnership will enable the resort to enhance its commitment to marine conservation and education on sea turtles both for guests and local communities, through the Fairmont School Award Scheme, whereby children from schools within the Shaviyani Atoll are invited to participate in educational workshops on marine conservation led by Neus and the team.
One of the most critically endangered sea turtle species in the world, Hawksbill turtles account for the majority of the individual resident sea turtles documented on the resort’s house reef, as well as those of neighbouring islands. Neus’s new role will consist of monitoring sea turtle nesting activity and educating guests and staff on sea turtle biology and the threats the species currently face. During weekly Marine Life Presentations, overseen by Sustainability Manager, Samuel Dixon, Neus will tackle various topics including turtles, manta rays, and other marine species, to create awareness and encourage the next generation of eco-conscious travellers to learn more about the marine ecosystem through Fairmont Maldives’ sustainability efforts.
Born on the island of Mallorca, Neus grew up near the sea and has always loved being by the Ocean. At the age of 16 she volunteered at a local sea turtle rescue centre, which sparked a desire to dedicate her life to the conservation of the incredible species. Whilst studying her degree in Marine Biology at the University of Portsmouth she spent her summers volunteering and working with turtles at Wildlife Sense in Kefalonia, Greece. In 2019 Neus became a principal investigator on board the research vessel Totevaag from Alnitak Research Institute for a period of three years, whilst taking her Masters in Marine Ecology at the University of the Balearic Islands. Her roles on board the vessel ranged from educating volunteers to introducing mitigation measures for the risk of bycatch in fisheries.
Guests of Fairmont Maldives will be able to participate in ocean life conservation missions and join the Marine Biology team in tracking, protecting, and assisting turtle hatchlings in their journey from nest to ocean. Some of the programmes they can take part in also include:
Turtle Ranger Programme: Join the team in monitoring critically endangered Hawksbill Turtles in the water and participate in tracking and identify new nests.
Snorkelling Tours of the Coralarium: Head out on a guided tour of the Coralarium, a unique coral regeneration project in the form of an underwater art gallery that plays home to over 100 species of fish
Planting Coral: Participate in coral rehabilitation by planting broken fragments in the 9km-long house reef and later revisit in years to come to track its growth
Workshops in the Sustainability Lab: Turn plastic waste into wonder by transforming bottles and ghost nets into bespoke souvenirs and useful products, such as furniture, for local communities
Ifuru Island Maldives has announced its participation in the inaugural Burunu Boma Sport Fishing Tournament, taking place from 2 to 4 May 2025. Organized by the Visit Maldives Club (VMC), this premier event aims to position the Maldives as a leading destination for sustainable sport fishing.
As one of the select resorts competing in this prestigious tournament, Team Ifuru Maldives will showcase its commitment to marine conservation and responsible tourism. The competition emphasizes “catch and release” practices, aligning with global efforts to preserve marine biodiversity.
Participants will target species such as marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, swordfish, and bigeye tuna, with a grand prize of USD 25,000 awarded to the top-performing team. The event also features live entertainment and a festive atmosphere, celebrating the Maldives’ rich fishing heritage.
“We are thrilled to be part of Burunu Boma and to represent Ifuru Island Maldives in this landmark event,” said Marcel Sawyer, General Manager at Ifuru Island Maldives. “Our participation underscores our dedication to sustainable practices and our passion for the ocean that surrounds us.”
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Sirru Fen Fushi to host ‘One Ocean, One Breath’ with Freedive Maldives to mark World Oceans Day
Sirru Fen Fushi – Private Lagoon Resort, invites ocean lovers and adventure seekers to a purposeful World Oceans Day celebration in partnership with Freedive Maldives, Guinness World Record Holder for the Most People Performing Static Apnea held last October 2022.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of one of the largest natural lagoons and house reefs in the Maldives, the event promises a deep connection to the ocean through expert-led PADI Freediving courses, ranging from basic to advanced levels. Participants will have the opportunity to earn their freediving certification, explore Sirru’s 9-kilometer-long house reef, and admire vibrant marine biodiversity, including manta ray cleaning stations, nurse shark points, flourishing coral gardens, and turtle habitats, home to 93 resident turtles and 11 successful hatchings this year alone.
“Our house reef, one of the longest and most vibrant in the Maldives, is a sanctuary for marine life and a symbol of our deep commitment to ocean conservation,” said Lukasz Prendke, General Manager of Sirru Fen Fushi. “We are honoured to collaborate with Freedive Maldives in celebrating World Oceans Day, not only to offer our guests an unforgettable underwater journey, but also to empower local talents and inspire our community to protect what lies beneath the surface.”
The initiative aligns with the resort’s ongoing sustainability commitments, including regular lagoon cleaning programs and support for local marine conservation efforts. This collaboration further emphasizes a shared mission to preserve the Maldives’ rich underwater heritage and engage the local community in meaningful environmental action.
In a broader commitment to sustainable tourism, Freedive Maldives has also signed a partnership agreement with the Baa Atoll Council to host another record-breaking freediving event in October 2025, coinciding with World Tourism Day, reinforcing Baa Atoll’s position as a leader in eco-conscious marine tourism.
Aurelio De Laurentiis, owner and chairman of SSC Napoli and one of Italy’s leading film producers, is celebrating his club’s return to the top of Serie A while holidaying in the Maldives.
Napoli secured a crucial 2–0 victory over Torino in the 34th round of the league, taking full advantage of Inter Milan’s 1–0 loss to Roma. With the win, Napoli now lead the table with 74 points, three points clear of Inter, with four matches remaining in the season.
Many had expected De Laurentiis to be present at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona for such a pivotal match. However, according to Italian media reports, he remained in the Maldives. After the match, the Napoli president posted a message from afar, encouraging his team to stay composed during the decisive final stretch of the season: “Cool heads. Calm and steady. Forza Napoli Sempre!”
The radio station Kiss Kiss Napoli suggested that De Laurentiis’ decision to stay in the Maldives, distant from Italy, reflects his strategy of giving space to the team and coaching staff while firmly maintaining control over the club’s direction.
Following Napoli’s historic league triumph in 2023, their first in over three decades, the club endured a turbulent season marked by coaching changes and management instability. Many attributed last season’s struggles to the lack of continuity.
Determined to rebuild, De Laurentiis appointed Antonio Conte, a proven winner, as head coach ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, a move that is already delivering results.
As the race for the Scudetto intensifies, Napoli’s dream of winning a second title in three years remains very much alive, with De Laurentiis steering the course even from thousands of miles away.
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