The Maldives Coral Institute is looking to hold their annual Coral Festival in Addu City Hithadhoo this year. To be held from 28 to 30 April 2023, the festival hopes to bring together people from all walks of life such as environmentalists, scientists, political activists and private organizations in massive, adventure-filled activities.
The focus of this event is also to stimulate a sense of love, respect and responsibility towards the protection of our oceans. The first two days of the event will see people of all ages and sizes having access to informative and fun-filled workshops conducted by coral experts, scientists and environmentalists from different parts of the world.
Some of these workshops also have a more hands-on approach such as the ghost net bracelet making workshop hosted by the Olive Ridley project, where participants learn to create something beautiful out of nets that could potentially trap and kill sea turtles and other marine creatures. Other fascinating topics include "AI for Oceans", and "Fish ID Workshop", "ID the Manta Workshop" and "Seagrass ID Workshop" in addition to "Soneva Academy Workshop". Participants can also learn about nurdles (small pre-products of plastic production) and other types of microplastics in the "Nurdle Hunt Workshop".
On the third day, are several options for excursions such as a tour of Meedhoo, learning the code of conduct on saving sea turtles and a guided snorkeling excursion that will be held at the Addu Nature Park where participants will be privy to protected areas such as Eydhigali Kilhi and Koattey. Participantancan also opt to join a dive to spot Addu's Manta rays.
To mark this massive event, students of Addu High School aged under 15 and 17 years will be taking part in a spirited debate tournament in the hallowed halls of Maldives National University (MNU) - Addu Campus. While the aim of this debate is to generate awareness regarding our oceans, topics covered include preserving marine areas as well as climate change and its threat to human history.
In addition to collaborating with the Maldives National University, the Maldives Coral Institute also received the support of several organizations and resorts such as, the United States National Democratic Institute, Waitt Institute, Noo Rajje, Soneva, Atmosphere Hotels and Resorts, Equator Village, Pebbles and Maldivian Airlines.
Although sign ups could take place at the festival itself, the Maldives Coral Institute has advised interested participants to sign up online as fast as they can, since there slots are limited. Participants have also been asked to bring their own reusable bottles as this is a plastic-free event.