In partnership with the Baa Atoll Council, the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has hosted its groundbreaking Marine Biology Internship Program.
On May 18–20, 2023, twelve students representing 12 islands in the beautiful Baa atoll participated in the three-day workshop. The resort hopes that by offering this program, it would motivate the subsequent generation of marine scientists to actively contribute to the long-term preservation of the oceans.
Marine scientists were on-site at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru from conservation initiatives like Reefscapers and Manta Trust led the session. The program's extensive curriculum expertly combined theory and practice while highlighting the distinctive Maldivian ecology and its inhabitants. This featured creatures that are regularly seen in the waters around Baa, like turtles, dolphins, and gentle giants like manta rays.
Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President & General Manager at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru remarked, “We have long recognized our responsibility to contribute to the protection of the Maldives’ fragile marine world and we know that one of the most powerful and long-lasting ways to do so is through education. With the impact of climate change threatening communities and nature across the Maldives, we hope to support the nation’s youngsters to safeguard their heritage.”
The students' residence in the expansive, oceanfront accommodations during the course of the program let them feel even more connected to the UNESCO wilderness that they were eagerly learning about through discussion topics and practical activities. Manta rays, turtles, dolphin identification, the ecology of the Maldives, and Maldivian corals are a few of the discussion topics that were highlighted. The Coral Frame Building project was used in the practical lessons to give the students first-hand knowledge of the property's conservation initiatives.
The major goal of this initiative was to encourage young Maldivians to think about a career in marine science. The students were given a detailed grasp of the current state of the Maldives' delicate ecology in order to support this aim, and they had the opportunity to interact with professionals who have devoted their entire professional lives to ocean preservation. By demonstrating to them how simple actions can have an impact, the knowledge that they can actively spread in their larger communities, interest was aroused in them to be advocates.
During the closing speech, Aishath Aalaa Khaleel, a participant in the program shared, “This program has not only strengthened our understanding of the marine world but has ignited a passion within us to protect and preserve these invaluable ecosystems. Thank you to our dedicated and knowledgeful marine biologists, guides, and instructors who have accompanied us throughout this journey. We will keep your support with us as we aspire to have a positive impact on marine biology and conservation.”
The Baa Atoll Council and Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru are already preparing to host the next iteration in 2024 following the remarkable success of this inaugural event. Reflecting on the future, Aalaa commented, “Let us embrace the upcoming challenges and opportunities. Let us continue to gain knowledge, conduct studies, and contribute to the health of our marine ecosystems. Together, we can create a more promising future.”
