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Celebrating World Wetlands Day at Canareef Resort Maldives
As the world comes together to celebrate World Wetlands Day on February 2nd, Canareef Resort Maldives stands proud as a beacon of natural beauty and ecological preservation. Nestled in the heart of Addu City, a recently declared UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Canareef is not just a resort but a haven for biodiversity, boasting a stunning array of wetlands, lakes, and vibrant ecosystems. This World Wetlands Day, we invite you to explore the wonders of Canareef’s natural treasures and discover why it is one of the top resorts in the Maldives for nature enthusiasts.
At the heart of Canareef Resort lies the Canareef Eco Park, a sprawling sanctuary centred around the largest lake on the island. This eco-park is a testament to the resort’s commitment to preserving and showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Maldives. Home to a variety of wildlife, including fish, birds, and unique flora, the Eco Park offers guests an immersive experience into the natural world.
Here are some of the incredible species you can encounter at Canareef Eco Park:
- Fruit Bat (Vau): The Fruit Bat, or Flying Fox, is a nocturnal marvel that plays a vital role in pollination and seed dispersal. These gentle creatures are often seen feasting on tropical fruits, contributing to the health of the ecosystem.
- Grey Heron (Maakanaa): The elegant Grey Heron is a common sight in the wetlands of Canareef. With its long legs and graceful movements, this bird is often spotted wading in shallow waters, hunting for fish.
- Maldives Water Hen (Kan’bili): As the national bird of the Maldives, the Maldives Water Hen holds a special place in the hearts of locals. This small, elusive bird is native to the Maldives and can often be seen darting through the wetlands.
- White Tern (Dhondhooni): The White Tern is a striking seabird with pure white plumage and long, pointed wings. Known for its graceful flight, this bird is often seen soaring over the coral reefs and nesting in the trees of Addu Atoll.
- Maldivian Little Heron (Dhivehi Raabondhi): This endemic subspecies of the Little Heron is a skilled hunter, primarily feeding on fish and insects.
- Tilapia (Thelaapia): These freshwater fish are a common sight in the lakes and ponds of Canareef. Tilapia thrive in shallow waters and play a crucial role in maintaining the aquatic ecosystem.
- Milkfish (Beyn’gu): The Milkfish, an indigenous species of the Indo-Pacific, is known for its impressive size and omnivorous diet. These gentle giants feed on algae and small invertebrates, contributing to the balance of the ecosystem.
- Mud Crab (Kandoo Kakuni): The Mud Crab is a fascinating inhabitant of the mangroves and estuaries around Canareef. These crabs are an essential part of the coastal ecosystem, and their presence is a sign of a healthy environment.
- Mangrove Whelk (Fulli): This unique brackish-water snail is commonly found in mangrove environments. The Mangrove Whelk plays a vital role in the nutrient cycle of the wetlands.
- Crickets (Rafeegu): The nocturnal chirping of crickets adds a soothing soundtrack to the evenings at Canareef, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all life.
- Seashore Screwpine (Boakashikeyo): The Seashore Screwpine is a coastal tree known for its prop roots and spiky leaves. Its edible, pineapple-like fruits are a traditional food source, and the tree is also used for crafting and coastal protection.
- Coconut Palm (Ruh): An iconic symbol of the Maldives, the Coconut Palm is deeply intertwined with local culture and daily life. From food and drink to construction, this versatile tree is a cornerstone of the Maldivian way of life.
- Black Mangrove (Burevi): The Black Mangrove is a vital component of the coastal ecosystem. Its roots stabilize the shoreline and provide a habitat for a diverse range of wildlife.
- Sea Hibiscus (Dhiggaa): With its vibrant yellow flowers, the Sea Hibiscus is a beautiful addition to the coastal flora, helping to stabilize sandy shores.
- Coastal Ironwood (Fithuroanu): This hardy tree is a natural protector of the coastline, offering windbreaks and shelter for wildlife.
Canareef Resort Maldives is more than just a destination; it is a sanctuary for nature and wildlife. By celebrating World Wetlands Day, the resort aims to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands and their role in sustaining biodiversity. The wetlands and lakes of Canareef are not only a source of natural beauty but also a vital part of the global ecosystem.
As you explore the wonders of Canareef Eco Park, take a moment to appreciate the delicate balance of nature and the efforts being made to preserve it. Together, we can ensure that these precious ecosystems continue to thrive for generations to come.
This World Wetlands Day, join Canareef Resort Maldives to celebrate the beauty of nature and the incredible biodiversity that makes the island truly special. Let’s cherish and protect the wetlands, for they are the lifelines of our planet.
In the North Ari Atoll, ananea Madivaru Maldives will welcome multidisciplinary Maldivian artist and curator Umair Badheeu for the opening of Island Stories, a special exhibition celebrating Maldivian island life through art.
Opening at the resort’s Art Studio on Monday, 31 August 2026, Island Stories brings together selected works reflecting the people, places and everyday scenes that shape life across the islands.
Based in Malé, Umair has spent nearly 25 years working across fine art, documentary photography, exhibitions and cultural preservation. After years of documentary observation, he has returned to his roots in watercolour painting, turning his attention to familiar yet often overlooked moments of Maldivian life–including local harbours and fishing beaches.
Alongside his own artistic practice, Umair has played an active role in the preservation and presentation of Maldivian heritage. His curatorial work includes establishing the Dutch Onion Museum at Cora Cora Maldives, as well as leading the reconstruction of an ancient Maldivian home and conservation of 900-year-old bathing tanks.
The exhibition forms part of ananea Madivaru’s commitment to creating opportunities for guests to engage with Maldivian creativity, culture and storytelling, while providing a platform for local artistic talent.
Island Stories | Opening Event
- Monday, 31 August 2026 | 17:00–18:00
- Art Studio | ananea Madivaru Maldives, North Ari Atoll
The opening will include an introduction from Umair, followed by a guided journey through selected works and time to explore the exhibition. Guests will also be invited to enjoy canapés and refreshments, with selected artworks and merchandise available for purchase and signing.
Niva Kuramathi Maldives has once again been recognised by Travelife with Gold status – the international benchmark for sustainable and responsible tourism.
The certification measures Niva Kuramathi against global Travelife standards across energy efficiency, waste reduction, water stewardship, responsible resource management, human rights, and support for local communities. Gold status is not a first step – it is a continuation, a promise kept season after season.
“Sustainability is not a milestone we reach and set aside. It is a way of living on the island,” says Bertrand Margerie, General Manager. “Being re-awarded Travelife Gold status affirms a path we have walked for years, and one we intend to keep walking. We are caring for our island home for those who come after us. It is our privilege to conserve, protect, and nurture both the land and the sea.”
Beneath the waves, the Muraka Coral Regeneration Project tends more than 7,500 coral fragments across 500 dedicated frames, nurturing the house reef for years still to come. Above the surface, rooftop solar generates close to one million kWh of clean energy each year – cutting diesel reliance by over 250,000 litres. In the hydroponic garden, some 500 kilograms of greens and herbs are harvested monthly, grown with recycled water and organic compost.
At the Eco Centre, the ocean becomes a living classroom offering guided snorkelling safaris above the house reef. Marine Biologist presentations reveal what stirs beneath the surface, and guests and children alike learn to read the sea.
The Rasdhoo Swim Club brings twenty-five local children to the reef each month – snorkelling beside turtles and rays, discovering something worth protecting. The Eco Centre team moves with them through it all – teaching them about reef sharks, mantas, living coral, and why it matters.
Every day, small choices add up. Reusable glass bottles, paper straws, a partnership with local recycler Parley to give used plastic a second life – simple acts of mindfulness that keep hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles from the shore each year.
“This recognition belongs to the team who live it daily,” says Tom Osborne, Sustainability Manager. “Our coral frames, solar panels, organic garden, recycling programmes – none of it happens on its own. Travelife Gold status gives us a clear standard to measure against, and it tells our people that the sustainable work that we do, genuinely matters.”
For further information and reservations, please visit the resort’s official website, call +960 666 01 50 or email reservations@nivakuramathi.com.
Dusit Thani Maldives has been named Best House Reefs at the TTM Awards 2026, recognising one of the resort’s most distinctive natural treasures and its exceptional underwater experience.
Presented as part of the TTM Awards & Gala 2026 at CROSSROADS Maldives on 27 August, the annual awards recognise outstanding achievements across the Maldivian hospitality industry.
Set on Mudhdhoo Island in Baa Atoll, Dusit Thani Maldives is surrounded by a 360-degree house reef, giving guests direct access to a rich underwater ecosystem just moments from the island’s shores. The reef is home to a diverse variety of marine life, including colourful tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks and rays, creating memorable opportunities for snorkelling and diving throughout the year.
To mark the win in true island style, the resort team took the award beneath the surface, capturing it among the coral and marine life that inspired the recognition.
“This award is particularly meaningful to us because our house reef is such an important part of the Dusit Thani Maldives experience. It is something our guests can discover almost from the moment they step into the water, and it reminds us every day how fortunate we are to call this extraordinary island home. This recognition belongs to our entire team and to everyone who continues to support, appreciate and help protect the natural environment around us,” said Jean-Louis Ripoche, Area General Manager – Maldives.
Located within Baa Atoll, a UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve, the resort places the surrounding natural environment at the heart of the guest experience. Alongside snorkelling and diving, the resort undertakes regular reef and beach clean-ups and encourages guests to take part in activities aimed at protecting the marine environment.
The Best House Reefs recognition further reinforces Dusit Thani Maldives’ position as a destination where luxury island living and remarkable marine encounters come together naturally.
For more information or to experience the award-winning house reef at Dusit Thani Maldives, visit the resort’s official website.
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