Laamu Atoll – A Mission Blue Hope Spot in the Maldives
Saturday 30th of October 2021
Cared for and thriving, Laamu Atoll in the Maldives has been designated as one of the planet’s Hope Spots by Mission Blue. This Hope Spot declaration results from an application by MUI, an initiative created by Six Senses Laamu in partnership with three NGOs: the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and the Olive Ridley Project
The atoll was deemed worthy of the title after being proven to hold d significant ecological, economic and cultural importance, and so hold the potential to reverse damage from negative human impacts. From its rich reefs, vast seagrass meadows and culturally significant mangroves, Laamu Atoll ticked all the boxes.
Six Senses Laamu and its partners within the Maldives Underwater Initiative works around the clock to protect and preserve the area, raising awareness about its fragility and importance through numerous conservation projects and initiatives.
“Our mission has always been to leave a legacy in the Maldives, to leave this beautiful and unique part of the country better than how we found it,” says Marteyne van Well, the resort’s General Manager. “Today we make a significant step towards achieving this goal.”
Since 2011, Six Senses Laamu has been collecting prominent data on the ecosystem of Laamu Atoll. “It’s so important that we protect the ecosystems there, especially the seagrass meadows that we now understand are vital for generating oxygen, capturing carbon and providing a home and security for so many creatures not only within the atoll but throughout the depths beyond.” says Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue.
The designation of Laamu Atoll’s Hope Spot comes as a result of the evidence provided from years of research conducted by the Maldives Underwater Initiative and its associated NGOs - the Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation and the Olive Ridley Project.
Photo by Alex Mustard
In 2013, Mission Blue declared the entire Maldives Archipelago as a Hope Spot to highlight the nation’s rich marine biodiversity and its fragility in the face of the climate crisis.
“By declaring Laamu Atoll as its own, smaller Hope Spot within the Maldives, we have the opportunity to lead and inspire the nation in the realms of local marine protection,” explains Adam Tholhat, Sustainability and Community Outreach Manager at Six Senses Laamu.
The acknowledgement by Mission Blue not only ensures protection to Laamu’s marine life, but also safeguards the passing down of traditional livelihood traits that rise from the mangroves and seagrass meadows alike.
The few channels on Laamu Atoll’s reef perimeter are home to healthy populations of critically endangered and endangered species such as napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks, mantas and green and hawksbill turtles.
Photo by Joel Penner
Alongside the seagrass meadows and mangroves, Laamu’s coral reefs also provide key ecosystem benefits. “Unlike other atolls in the Maldives, Laamu has very few reef passes, leading from the outside to the inside of the atoll,” says Philippa Roe, MUI’s Head Marine Biologist. “These areas are home to healthy populations of critically endangered and endangered species such as napoleon wrasse, grey reef sharks, mantas and green and hawksbill turtles just to name a few.”
On the cover: The mangroves and seagrass meadows of L. Hithadhoo, an island neighboring Six Senses Laamu, both of which provide crucial ecological and cultural ecosystem services. Photo by Joel Penner.