Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru has launched a special programme to train students in the marine field. The three-day training programme is being conducted in collaboration with the Baa Atoll Council and the Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve.
A total of 24 students from 10 schools across Baa Atoll are participating in the programme. The programme will teach how to attach the coral frames, how to place the coral frames in the sea, and how coral fragments are cultivated to support reef restoration. In addition, marine biologists and marine conservationists will teach students important information on the ecology of marine life, including species such as turtles and rays, commonly found in the area.
Speaking at the ceremony held to launch the internship programme, the Dean of Maldives National University’s College of Ocean and Fisheries Resources, Dr Ahmed Riyaz Jauhary emphasised the important of education young people about coral ecosystems. He noted that students are the most important group to understand the significance of the coral reefs, adding that every damage to coral affects the environment and tourism. He further noted that Baa Atoll has a rich marine life, and expressed his pleasure at the conduction of such a programme aimed at students of Baa Atoll schools.
"Maldives exists because of the coral reefs. These coral reefs are the reason why the islands exist. Our economy depends on this. So I am very happy that children from different schools are gathered to learn these things," he said.
The Vice President of the Baa Atoll Council, Ibrahim Abdul Rahman, said that the most important task that can be done to sustain the tourism industry in the atoll is to protect the health of reefs.
"I hope this programme will become a good tool in your lives. This is one of the best areas of development in the country. That is why we prioritised such programmes in Baa Atoll,” he said.
Speaking at the ceremony, Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve’s Outreach Officer Shaafee Ali noted growing interest among students in marine science and environmental awareness. He attributed the shift to local universities and school programmes.
".. the scenario has changed dramatically. Many young people are now become environmentally conscious, with universities playing a key role. There is an even happier scenario playing out today. — schools are running various programmes dedicated to this initiative,” he said.
Shaafee advised the students to apply the knowledge gained from the internship in their daily lives.
The Baa Atoll Council runs internship programmes aimed at students every year. This is the third such programme conducted in a collaboration with a resort.