Experience
Healing the Earth at Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023
Every vista in the Maldives is breathtaking. The garland of islands in the Maldives, with its endless azure seas and lush islands, inspire a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world. With 99% ocean cover and 1% land, The Maldives is a testament to the fact that our Earth is a blue marble. The breathtaking beauty of the Maldives is a gift from one of the strangest animals on this planet; the coral. Coral reefs rival rainforests in terms of sheer biodiversity. They are the bedrock upon which the Maldives stands. Unfortunately, as resilient as they are, corals are facing a cocktail of adversities such as ocean acidification, rising temperatures, anthropogenic drivers and more.
Lessons with the Marine Biologist
At Visit Maldives Storytellers’ Conference 2023, we are conducting a workshop titled “Healing the Earth”, set against the backdrop of the Anchorage of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, a 30-minute speedboat ride from Crossroads Maldives.
Kate Sheridan, the resident marine biologist at the Anchorage of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, will be leading the workshop's first session on conservation and sustainability. Kate is a passionate conservationist and wildlife photographer who has dedicated her life to showcasing and protecting the marine environment.
During the presentation, Kate will delve into the complex scientific principles that underpin coral conservation efforts. She will do so in a way that is accessible and engaging for all participants. Kate will explain how corals create habitats for a vast array of marine life, how they are essential for maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, and how they protect shorelines from erosion. She will also discuss the threats that corals are facing today, including bleaching, ocean acidification, and overfishing.
One of the most interesting segments of the presentation is the segment on how corals are the literal bedrock of the Maldivian islands. The Maldives is made up of over 1,200 coral islands, and without the coral reefs, the islands would not exist
Hands-on Environmentalism
The workshop will also provide a comprehensive hands-on session on local sustainable efforts. Participants will have the opportunity to learn about coral propagation and coral-frame building. They will be able to get their hands dirty and participate in a planting session, learning how to plant coral fragments and help them grow into healthy colonies. This hands-on experience will give participants a deeper understanding of the importance of coral conservation and how they can play a role in protecting the marine environment. Afterwards, they will also have the opportunity to swim in the lush coral reefs that we are fighting so hard to preserve. After all, one can only protect what one loves.
Ultimately, the 1.5 hour workshop will explore the intertwined connection between the natural environment and the success of the Maldives tourism industry. The Maldives' economy relies heavily on tourism, and the industry's success is inextricably linked to the health of the marine environment. By participating in this workshop, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the beauty and fragility of the Maldives' marine ecosystem and will be inspired to take action to protect it.
About Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa is situated on the private island of Furanafushi in the Republic of Maldives, a 15-minute speedboat ride away from Velana International Airport. The resort is among the first resorts to offer complimentary transfers to its discerning guests. The five-star resort offers 176 guest rooms designed to blend into the surrounding turquoise waters, pristine beaches and lush greenery. In addition to 7 unique restaurants and bars, the Shine Spa for Sheraton located on its very own island and 3 outdoor tropical fresh water pools, the resort caters for all guests and is the perfect destination for honeymooners, families with young children or teens and solo travellers alike.
