A Celebration of Conservation: The 2025 Six Senses Kanuhura Lhaviyani Turtle Festival

The Six Senses Kanuhura Lhaviyani Turtle Festival, held in the first week of September in Naifaru, Lhaviyani Atoll, brought together communities, schools, conservationists, and local stakeholders to raise awareness and advocate for the protection of sea turtles and the marine environment in the Maldives and beyond. 

According to Atoll Marine Centre, the festival is more than just a gathering, as the festival serves as a platform for dialogue, education, and inspiration.

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3rd Atoll Marine Symposium Kicks Off the Festival

The festival opened on Friday, 5 September, with the 3rd Atoll Marine Symposium. Conservation organisations and hospitality businesses from across the Maldives travelled to Naifaru to present their projects and engage in discussions. Hassan Mohamed, Chief Executive of the Environmental Regulatory Authority, inaugurated the symposium with an opening speech.

The day featured three thematic sessions addressing challenges and opportunities in marine conservation:

• Ecological Connectivity and Ocean Health: Presenters explored the interdependence of marine habitats, the use of AI in coral health assessments, the importance of seagrass meadows, turtles and mangroves in cross-habitat conservation, and sustainable tuna fisheries. A panel discussion highlighted the impacts of development projects on biodiversity and the crucial role of the deep ocean in sustaining coastal habitats.
  
• Solutions for Ocean Pollution: This session focused on practical measures, emphasising community and youth engagement in waste reduction. A panel including representatives from resorts and local islands discussed challenges and options for effective waste management in an island nation.
  
• Communities and Youth in Conservation: Local ownership of conservation initiatives was the central theme. Presenters shared projects showing how women, youth, and community groups are blending traditional knowledge with modern science to protect ocean biodiversity. A panel discussion explored the vital connection between communities and their marine environment.
  

Schools from Himandoo and Ifthithaah also attended, giving students a chance to learn from professionals and engage with topics shaping the future of marine conservation.

Turtle Festival Day Brings the Ocean to Life

On Saturday, 6 September, Naifaru’s Velaa Beach came alive for Turtle Day. Thirteen schools from seven atolls set up creative stalls, waste sculptures, and interactive activities, reflecting months of preparation and growing environmental awareness.

Conservation NGOs, resorts, and businesses also hosted marine science stalls covering fisheries management, reef biodiversity, and coral restoration. Short talks on marine biology and sustainable practices ran throughout the day, while the Atoll Marine Centre welcomed visitors to meet rehabilitated sea turtles and learn about the challenges they face.

The festival’s Opening Ceremony featured speeches from Bennath Chillingworth, Marine Team Lead at Atoll Marine Conservation; Alicia Graham, General Manager of Six Senses Kanuhura; and Mohamed Ahmed Fulhu, Co-founder of Atoll Marine Conservation.

Atoll Marine Centre noted two main highlights of the day. First, the Traditional Dance Performance competition, where teams of all ages showcased local dance styles, celebrating culture alongside conservation. Second, the arrival of the Reconnecting Duo, Muiz Mohamed, Resort Manager at Cora Cora Maldives, and Justin Swart, General Manager of The Standard Maldives, was met with excitement. They had paddleboarded 69 km from Raa Atoll to raise awareness about sea turtle protection.

Later, during the sand sculpture competition, students created scientifically accurate sea turtles, emphasising creativity and learning over competition. The festival concluded with a closing ceremony recognising participants’ efforts.