Seventeen Maldives Resorts Unite to Protect Vital Seagrass Ecosystems

Thursday 31st of July 2025

A total of seventeen resorts across the Maldives have united to protect one of the country's most overlooked natural treasures. These resorts have joined the newly launched Seagrass Industry Leader Circle, a collaborative pledge created by Maldives Resilient Reefs and the Blue Marine Foundation. The official launch ceremony took place on Dhiffushi Island, where each resort was recognised for its commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism.

Seagrass meadows are a key part of the Maldivian ecosystem. They serve many purposes including supporting fisheries, absorbing wave energy to protect coastlines, storing carbon, and producing oxygen. They also provide essential habitats for marine life such as green turtles. However, despite their ecological value, seagrass areas have often been cleared or damaged due to tourism developments and land reclamation. This has led to a steady decline in many regions.

To address this, the initiative asks resorts to protect at least 80 percent of their baseline seagrass coverage. The seventeen early adopters have pledged to stop harmful practices, recognise the importance of these ecosystems, and raise awareness among guests and staff. By doing so, they are not only helping to conserve marine biodiversity but also setting a strong example for the tourism industry in the Maldives and beyond.

Since 2019, Maldives Resilient Reefs and the Blue Marine Foundation have worked together to present seagrass as both an ecological and economic asset. Their efforts have shown that protecting these habitats supports wildlife and can improve the guest experience, making it a win for both nature and tourism.

The participating resorts include Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort, Anantara Veli Maldives, Naladhu Private Island Maldives, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Dhawa Ihuru, Angsana Velavaru, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, Coco Bodu Hithi, Gili Lankanfushi Maldives, Kurumba Maldives, LUX South Ari Atoll, Niyama Private Islands Maldives, Siyam World Maldives, Six Senses Laamu, Six Senses Kanuhura, Taj Exotica Resort and Spa, and Taj Coral Reef Resort and Spa.

Six Senses Laamu was among the early pioneers in seagrass protection as part of the 2019 Protect Maldives Seagrass campaign. According to the resort’s sustainability team, their work has resulted in nearly double the number of sightings of sharks and turtles. These changes have not only improved marine life but also boosted guest interest, showing that conservation can enhance the resort experience and support business goals.

Shaha Hashim, Executive Director of Maldives Resilient Reefs, noted that the project provides resorts with support in mapping their seagrass areas and creating educational materials for guests and staff. Annual progress reviews will ensure continued commitment, and any resort that does not meet its goals may be removed from the initiative’s platform.

Muhusina Abdul Rahman, Director of Protected Areas at the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, highlighted the importance of seagrass protection in reaching the Maldives’ 30 by 30 marine conservation target. She stressed that protecting all habitats used by endangered species, such as the feeding grounds of turtles, is essential for meeting global conservation standards.

This collective action reflects a growing awareness in the tourism industry that environmental protection and guest satisfaction can go hand in hand. The Seagrass Industry Leader Circle is not just a pledge but a clear step forward in shaping a more sustainable future for travel in the Maldives.