"Moodhu Madharusa" - Ocean School, an initiative by Manta Trust in association with Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office has kicked off today in Eydhafushi with 64 students from Baa Atoll Education Centre taking part. 

 

The Marine Education Programme includes practical classes linked to each module, taking students out into the ocean to get up-close and personal with the world beneath the waves.

 

During theory lessons, Manta Trust staff together with staff from Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office will give presentations and run interactive learning activities for students in the classroom. As part of the programme the students so far have learnt about marine ecology and coral reefs, completed a beach cleanup of the isalnd, and explored their islands reef, some for the very first time! 

 

The main highlight of "Moodhu Madharusaa" will be the snorkelling trip to Hanifaru Bay to be upclose with the manta rays.

 

“Moodhu Madharusa” a program organized by Manta Trust in association with Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office in Baa Atoll will have a different venue next year as it is the aim of the program to hold the event on each inhabited island every year working with the island school.

 

The Marine Education Programme of "Moodhu Madharusaa" is based on five core modules; Maldives Marine Ecosystems, Coral Reef Ecosystems, Coastal Ecosystems, Pollution and Waste Management, Conservation and Ecosystem Management. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Maldives Manta Research Programme hosted a Manta Ray Workshop at Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru on behalf of Manta Trust on 23 May 2019. 

 

A total of 55 participants from 21 resorts, guest houses, dive centres and Councils were there at the Workshop where the biology and ecology of manta rays were discussed, information on manta research education together with Marine Education Program for local schools was shared and also discussed were the findings of 2018 annual report of MMRP.

 

A special presentation from the Biosphere Reserve Maldives Office was also made in this Workshop focussing on Hanifaru Protected Area in which the participants were made aware of the Hanifaru Regulations. do's and do nots's in the area and also on the experiences of Rangers of Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve in managing the area. 

 

The timing of the Workshop was indeed great because it coincided with the start of Hanifaru Season 2019 and the main resource users of the atoll being there was of immnese importance.

 

The Nautilus, Soneva Fushi, Four Seasons Maldives at Landaa, Dharavandhoo Divers Maldives, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas, Dusit Thani Maldives, Finolhu, Milaidhoo, The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort, Royal island Resort & Spa / Maldives, Reethi Beach Resort, Amilla Fushi, Reethi Faru Resort, Joali Maldives, Faarufushi Maldives, Manta Reisen, Kihaa Maldives, Baa Atoll Education Centre, and Secretariat of Baa Atoll Council attended theis very important Workshop.

 

The decisiosn on a venue to hold Manta Festival 2019  was taken today by the organizers of the festival. It was decided by the Organizwers that this year's festival will be held in Eydhafushi after discussions  Baa Atoll Council, Eydhafuhsi Council, Baa Atoll Education Centre and Baa Atoll Biopshere Reserve Office.

 

Baa Atoll Manta Festival 2019 will take place on 20th and 21st September 2019 on Eydhafushi Island and include two day and evening events dedicated to celebrating the beauty of Maldives’ marine ecosystems and manta rays, aiming to bring communities together from across Baa Atoll and the Maldives. The event will build on last year’s successful festival which took place on Dharavandhoo and drew in over 1000 visitors, 13 schools and 22 resorts and environmental organisations. Please see www.facebook.com/BaaMantaFest for last years highlights.

 

This year, we will have an estimated 2000-3000 visitors; student participants from 13 schools in Baa and beyond as well as resorts, environmental organisations, local businesses and artists showcasing their work. The event will feature over 30 interactive stalls, manta snorkelling fieldtrips, marine-themed competitions, environmental speakers, and performances.

 

Each partner will be responsible for different aspects of festival organisation. The festival will include two day-to-night events. These will include schools, resorts and NGOs showcasing conservation work through stalls and activities, as well as competitions, snorkeling sessions, music and presentations from guest speakers.

 

The festival will be organised by the five partners – Manta Trust, Baa Atoll Council, Baa Atoll Biosphere Reserve Office, Eydhafushi Island Council and Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. s well as resort sponsors.