Groundbreaking Research Aims to Deepen Understanding of Maldives’ Marine Ecosystems
Gaafu Alifu Atoll, Maldives – Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, located in the stunning Gaafu Alifu atoll, has joined forces with the MaRHE Center of the University of Milano-Bicocca to undertake groundbreaking research on the region’s unique resident dolphin populations. This collaboration promises to uncover key insights into the behavior and population structure of these remarkable marine mammals, paving the way for enhanced conservation efforts and the promotion of Maldives as a premier eco-tourism destination.
The partnership, facilitated by Italian Consul Giorgia Marazzi and guided by renowned cetologist Elena Valsecchi, will see two master’s students from the International Marine Sciences program conducting extensive fieldwork at the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort. Their research will involve innovative techniques such as photo identification, vocalization recordings, and environmental DNA analysis, shedding light on the reasons behind the dolphins’ residency in the waters of Gaafu Alifu atoll – a rare occurrence in the Maldives.
“I am proud of this project, which allows us to expand our knowledge of marine ecology in these underexplored areas,” said Professor Paolo Galli, Director of the MaRHE Center. “By studying the diet and population structure of the resident dolphins, as well as the coral reefs and reef fish in the region, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the southern Maldives’ diverse marine ecosystems.”
The collaborative research will also explore the coral reefs and reef fish in the area, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the region’s delicate marine environment. This holistic approach is crucial for promoting the sustainable management of the Maldives’ natural resources, a key priority for the country’s conservation and tourism sectors.
A special event, scheduled for December 12, 2024, at the Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, will bring together key stakeholders from the Maldives’ conservation and tourism industries to showcase the research findings. This milestone event will serve as a platform to highlight the country’s commitment to eco-tourism and the preservation of its rich marine biodiversity.
“This collaboration represents an important step in our efforts to position the Maldives as a prime destination for eco-conscious travelers, with a focus on the nation’s captivating and diverse marine life,” said a spokesperson for Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort. “We are excited to host this event and share the insights gained from the research undertaken by the MaRHE Center.”
Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort is a boutique adults-only resort, reachable by domestic flight in just over 50 minutes from the Maldives’ international airport. The MaRHE Center, located on the island of Magoodhoo in Faafu atoll, serves as a hub for marine science research, conservation, and higher education, with a mission to promote the sustainable management of marine ecosystems through cutting-edge scientific studies, multidisciplinary research, and international collaboration.
For more information on Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort, please visit www.mercure-maldives.com. To learn more about the MaRHE Center and its research initiatives, please visit www.marhe.unimib.it.
