News
Future sea level rises should not restrict new island formation in the Maldives
Maldives.net.mv – The continued accumulation of sand within the iconic ring-shaped reefs inside Maldivian atolls could provide a foundation for future island development new research suggests. Islands like the Maldives are considered likely to be the first to feel the effects of climate change induced sea level rise, with future island growth essential to counter the threat of rising sea levels.
The study published in the journal Geology, and carried out by researchers from the University of Exeter in collaboration with the University of Auckland, James Cook University, the National Institute for Environmental Studies in Japan, Curtin University and the University of Glasgow, focussed on the formation of islands inside the atolls of the Maldives.
The researchers studied the history and timing of island building, a process which starts when the lagoons fill sufficiently with sand that is derived from the surrounding corals reefs, to provide a foundation for island establishment. Assuming these reefs continue to flourish and can thus maintain high rates of sand supply, those lagoons that are already nearly full have clear potential to provide foundations for new island development over the next few hundred years.
Professor Chris Perry from the University of Exeter said: “Many of the heavily populated islands in the Maldives have limited capacity to respond naturally to sea-level rise and this will necessitate additional spending on shoreline maintenance. Our research suggests, however, that the potential does exist for new island formation on those reefs inside the atolls that have near fully infilled lagoons. These may ultimately provide additional land options across the region, and some possibilities for mitigation options under higher sea level conditions.”
The study suggests that it is the smaller reefs, with lagoons that are already nearly in-filled, that are most likely to give rise to new islands. Once established, and given sufficient sand supply, the findings suggest that these new islands can develop rapidly, over a few 100 years, and that these may then evolve into larger, island structures that could provide alternative land options in the region. Evidence from this region also suggests that many existing islands established and expanded under slightly higher than present sea-levels over the last few 1000 years.
Larger reefs with deeper, unfilled, central lagoons are likely to only fill with sand over much longer timescales and are thus unlikely to support new island development over any meaningful future timescales.
Sea level rise is projected to put increasing pressure on the Maldives. Heavily populated islands, including the low-lying capital Male, have limited capacity to respond to natural shoreline changes and will thus require ever more costly management interventions to sustain them under projected sea level rises.
Baros Maldives participated in the global celebration of PADI Women’s Dive Day 2025, commemorating the occasion with a week of thoughtfully curated experiences that honoured the strength, curiosity, and connection shared among women divers. Held from 15th to 19th July, the initiative was designed to inspire confidence and camaraderie beneath the waves.
In the days leading up to the main event, female guests were treated to a 25% discount on their first or single dive. This included refresher and orientation dives along the renowned Baros House Reef, as well as Discover Scuba Diving sessions for those embarking on their first underwater adventure. These exclusive offers created an inviting and supportive environment, encouraging women of all experience levels to engage with Baros’ vibrant marine life.
The week culminated on 19th July with a complimentary dive led by the resort’s female dive instructors. Open to all certified women divers and those who had completed a Discover Scuba Diving experience during the week, the event brought together a spirited group of ocean enthusiasts for a memorable morning beneath the surface. The dive was marked by commemorative underwater photographs taken beside the official PADI Women’s Dive Day banner.
Ambra Dugaria, Dive Base Leader at Divers Baros Maldives, shared her reflections on the occasion: “At Baros, diving is about connection — to nature, to oneself, and to each other. PADI Women’s Dive Day is a powerful reminder that the ocean belongs to everyone. We are proud to provide a space where women feel empowered, celebrated, and free to explore.”
Led by Divers Baros Maldives, the initiative underscores the resort’s continued commitment to inclusivity, empowerment, and community within the diving world. As a PADI Five Star Gold Palm Dive Centre, Baros remains dedicated to delivering safe, immersive, and inspiring underwater experiences for divers of all levels.
Featured
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO celebrates Women’s Dive Month with captivating underwater exhibition
OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO, in collaboration with TGI Maldives and Divernet—one of the world’s longest-established diving platforms—has launched an inspiring marine photo exhibition to commemorate Women’s Dive Month in association with PADI.
The exhibition showcases a collection of rare underwater photographs taken by esteemed underwater photographer and writer, Richard Aspinall, during his recent stay at the resort. Based in the Scottish Borders, Aspinall has a longstanding background in wildlife conservation and heritage management, underpinned by academic training in ecology and conservation biology. His captivating images—from striking moray eels and elegant whitetip reef sharks to the vivid displays of blue-line snappers and clown triggerfish—offer a mesmerising glimpse into the flourishing coral ecosystems surrounding Helengeli.
The exhibition was officially inaugurated by seven international female journalists, joined by TGI Maldives Operations Manager Greta Marcelli, General Manager Alain Trefois, and the wider operations team at OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO.
“There is something truly magical about Helengeli. The reef is alive with untold stories. The marine life is phenomenal, and the energy of this island is unmatched. This exhibition, thoughtfully curated by our team, captures that essence—blending the wonders of the ocean with a message of empowerment. We are sincerely grateful to Richard Aspinall and Divernet for their remarkable imagery and collaboration in bringing this exhibition to life,” shared General Manager Alain Trefois.
In 2023, the resort became the first recipient of the PADI® Outstanding Contribution to Female Diving award. Continuing its commitment to inclusive diving, the resort hosted ten international female journalists in July 2024, offering them the opportunity to experience scuba diving and the breathtaking beauty of the Maldivian seas as part of the PADI Women’s Dive Day celebrations.
Building on this success, OBLU NATURE Helengeli has officially launched the 2025 International PADI Women’s Dive Month, in partnership with TGI Maldives and ELE|NA Ayur Spa. This initiative presents a specially curated programme for women throughout July, blending scuba diving with wellness experiences designed to foster confidence, connection, and serenity both below and above the surface.
The InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort is enhancing its guest wellness experience by welcoming Dr. Shagnika Pradhan as a visiting practitioner from 1st August to 15th September 2025. Dr. Pradhan, who specialises in Naturopathy and Yoga Science, will offer a range of holistic treatments designed to restore balance in both body and mind.
With over seven years of experience, Dr. Pradhan employs a results-driven approach to healing that blends ancient Eastern traditions with modern therapies. Her expertise covers pain and stress management using techniques from traditional Chinese medicine, alongside herbal remedies, nutrition counselling, and yoga therapy. Her practice is rooted in providing personalised care that addresses the root causes of ailments.
During her residency at the resort’s AVI Spa, Dr. Pradhan will offer a comprehensive menu of exclusive wellness services. These include:
- Naturopathic Manipulative Therapy: A custom blend of bodywork, spinal alignment, and sound healing to relieve stress and pain.
- Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese technique to balance the body’s energy, effective for stress and pain. This also includes Facial Rejuvenation Acupuncture to naturally boost collagen and circulation.
- Sleep Enhancement Therapy: A four-hour ritual combining acupuncture, herbal massage, sound healing, and Yoga Nidra to improve sleep quality.
- Specialised Yoga Therapies: Guests can choose from Yoga Therapy for overall wellbeing, Aqua Yoga Therapy for joint mobility in the water, and Anti-gravity Aerial Yoga in silk hammocks to build core strength and alignment.
- Reiki Sound Healing: A spiritual session using Reiki energy, singing bowls, and chanting for emotional release.
- Cupping Therapy: A traditional method to ease muscular tension and improve circulation.
These bespoke sessions are part of the resort’s ongoing Wellness Journey programme, which features a curated selection of expert in-house specialists and visiting international practitioners.
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