Schools, Sponsors, and Speakers Confirmed for 2025 Six Senses Kanuhura Lhaviyani Turtle Festival

Preparations are in full swing for the Six Senses Kanuhura Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2025, set to take place on 5 and 6 September, with organisers confirming the highest number of schools, sponsors, and conservationists to date. The annual festival, organised in collaboration with the Atoll Marine Centre (AMC), is dedicated to marine conservation, promises a vibrant weekend of learning, creativity, and community engagement across the Maldives.

Students at the Heart of the Festival

The festival’s focus remains firmly on students, who bring energy and imagination to marine conservation through stalls, art, and competitions. Fourteen schools will participate this year, including seven returning and seven new entrants. Local schools such as Madhrasathul Ifthithaah, Lhaviyani Atoll Education Centre, and Lhaviyani Atoll School will represent Lhaviyani once again, while newcomers from Baa, Raa, and Noonu Atolls, as well as from Malé and Ari Atoll, will join for the first time.

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Competitions include Best Stall Design, Sand Turtle Sculpture, and Waste Sculpture, with optional challenges such as Plastic Bottle Collection, Underwater Photography, Traditional Dance, and Recycled Dress and Bag Competitions. Kudafaree School has signed up for the most optional competitions this year, demonstrating their commitment to creativity and sustainability.

Strong Support from Sponsors

The festival’s success relies heavily on its sponsors. Six Senses Kanuhura returns as Title Sponsor, joined by six Main Sponsors, including Maldives Islamic Bank, Emerald Faarufushi Resort & Spa, Noku Maldives, Cora Cora Maldives, The Standard-Huruvalhi Maldives, and Manta Air. Additional support comes from Co-Sponsors such as Atmosphere Kanifushi and Patina Maldives-Fari Islands, while Co-Sponsor Plus contributors include Dhiraagu, and other resorts and eco-conscious businesses. This backing ensures the festival continues as both a community event and a driver of conservation initiatives.

Ideas, Inspiration, and Innovation

The festival also provides a platform for learning and collaboration. The 3rd Atoll Marine Symposium, held on 5 September, will feature speakers from NGOs, research organisations, and the tourism sector, including THE VIBE, Olive Ridley Project, Parley Maldives, Miyaru-Shark Programme, Atolla, and Maldives Resilient Reefs. Talks will explore habitat interconnectivity, solutions to ocean pollution, and the role of youth and communities in conservation.

On 6 September, attendees can visit interactive stalls from organisations such as Reefscapers, Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, and Maldives Ocean Plastic Alliance. These exhibits will showcase innovative projects and provide hands-on learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.

With over 3,000 attendees expected, the 2025 Turtle Festival is shaping up to be a landmark event, connecting communities to their marine environment while promoting awareness and action to protect sea turtles and their ocean homes.