Maldives Resilient Reef Launches New E-Learning Module Under Masmahaaveshi Online Tool
Maldives Resilient Reefs (MRR) unveiled a new e-learning module yesterday under the NGO’s online educational tool, “Masmahaaveshi” (Fish, marine life, and their habitats). The e-learning module titled “Preserving Nature through Responsible Tourism” was launch at MRR’s forum of the same name.
Masmahaaveshi serves as a comprehensive platform designed to educate various stakeholders, including Maldivian fishers, farmers, policymakers, and young people, about marine environments, Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), and sustainable fishing practices. The e-learning module incorporates accessible and engaging infographics and videos, ensuring that individuals of varying technical abilities can interact with the platform effectively. The certification offered through Masmahaaveshi is a prerequisite for fishers seeking to register for the Laamaseelu Masveriyaa programme.
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The Laamaseelu Masveriyaa programme, established in 2020 by MRR and Blue Marine Foundation, focuses on ensuring that seafood sourced by tourism operators is caught in an equitable and sustainable manner, with minimal ecological impact. The program, currently implemented at four resorts across different atolls, boasts over 120 registered sustainable fishers.
During the forum, panelists discussed crucial topics related to sustainable fishing, tourism, and marine conservation. This included Dr Riyaz Jauharee, Deputy Director General at Maldives Marine Research Institute, who delved into the challenges of reef fishery data collection and emphasized the value of fisheries data for national policies.
Director of Sustainability at Six Senses Laamu, Lawrence Menz, shared insights into the guests’ reception to the Laamaseelu Masveriyaa programme. “From a story-telling perspective, guests are very receptive to sustainably-sourced ingredients.”
“In that sense, incorporating sustainability practices into guest fishing programs would also be well-recieved” he added.
Meanwhile, “Laamaseelu Masveriyaa’ participant from B. Kihaadhoo, Mohamed Gasim, highlighted the importance of the tourism market for his livelihood, sharing his experiences in adhering to sustainable fisheries standards. “We need more support from both resorts and the state”
Challenges reef fishermen face consist of distruption to livebair fishing grounds caused by sea-planes and resorts preference towards aggregators from Male’, he said.
Advising new establishments looking to adopt similar programs, Director of Sustainability at Six Senses Kanuhura Jacquoline Krikorian said “People dont come to Maldives just to relax on the beach. They come for the whole experience that’s behind the Maldives natural island environment”.
“Unfortunately, it has been difficult to get sustainability programs going
in atolls where resorts out number local islands – the people don’t have as much bargaining power” she said.
The importance of moving towards sustainable development was underscored by B. Kamadhoo Council Member Mohamed Shareef. From soil erosion to falling numbers of fish, Shareef highlighted the numerous changes Kamadhoo island has undergone over the years. “Seven years ago, you could go reef fishing and catch 7-10 fish per day. Today, we can barely catch one”
He added “We have taken our concerns to the government but they have not yet provided appropriate, long-lasting solutions”
According to MRR, the forum underscored the organisation’s commitment to its strategic intervention areas, including increasing effective marine protection, improving reef-based fisheries sustainability, promoting environmentally responsible tourism, and strengthening local capacities for marine resource management.
Through programs such as ‘Laamaseelu Masveriya’, MRR aims to demonstrate that sustainable practices can lead to superior experiences for tourists and better returns for both the fishing and tourism industries.
Resort partners currently on-board the Laamaseelu Masveriya programme include Ayada Maldives, Six Senses Kanuhura and Amilla Maldives.
