Final Countdown to the Six Senses Kanuhura Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2025
Stalls at the Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2024 | Photo: Atoll Marine Centre
The final preparations for the Six Senses Kanuhura Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2025 are currently in progress, with less than a week away from the event. Starting on Saturday, 6th September, students from 14 schools across the nation will be participating in the festival, alongside 18 NGOs, resorts, and other stakeholders.
Excitement is building across eight different atolls as schools put the finishing touches to their stalls, sculptures, and competition entries. Volunteers are working behind the scenes, and the annual plastic collection challenge is already underway, creating a buzz of anticipation ahead of one of the most vibrant community events of the year.
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A First Look at the Festival
The weekend begins with the third Atoll Marine Symposium on Friday, 5th September. The following morning, Naifaru’s Velaa Beach will transform into a festival hub, with stallholders from across the Maldives setting up marine awareness exhibits.
The official opening ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m., complete with a keynote address by the Guest of Honour and traditional dance performances. Stalls will then open to the public, offering games, local delicacies, handmade crafts, and talks from conservation experts. Visitors will also have the opportunity to tour the Atoll Marine Centre, meet rescued sea turtles, and learn about their rehabilitation journeys.
According to the Atoll Marine Centre, one of the most eagerly anticipated highlights, the sand sculpture competition, will begin at 11 a.m., with students showcasing their artistry and scientific knowledge by sculpting sea turtles from sand. Judges will also crown winners of the recycled dress, recycled bag, and underwater photography contests.
Tackling Plastic, One Bottle at a Time
The annual plastic bottle collection competition, launched on 26th August, has already removed more than 500 kilograms of plastic from the environment. Teams across the country have been gathering bottles from beaches and household waste, documenting their efforts daily. Yesterday, 7005.88 kg of plastic was weighed at the weighing ceremony, and the team that brought in the most plastic will be announced at the festival.
This initiative has become a cornerstone of the event, inspiring participation from school groups and local communities alike, while fostering a stronger sense of environmental responsibility.
A Celebration of Conservation and Culture
With more than 20 local volunteers working tirelessly to bring the event together, Naifaru’s Velaa Beach is set to come alive with colour, energy, and creativity. Full schedules and updates are being shared on Atoll Marine Centre’s and Naifaru Juvenile’s social media pages.
More than just a weekend of activities, the Six Senses Kanuhura Lhaviyani Turtle Festival is a celebration of marine conservation, cultural expression, and community spirit. From competitions and stalls to performances and public talks, the festival highlights the importance of protecting the ocean while bringing people together to enjoy and learn from it.
