Hawksbill turtle makes return to Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru after a decade
A Hawksbill sea turtle has made a return to the shores of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for the first time since 2015, with eggs laid in January making their way out of the egg on the afternoon of 23rd March, representing a significant event for the island and its surrounding ecosystem. Eggs were laid on 24th January, and they have now made their way out of the egg, with baby turtles venturing out of the warm sand and making their way across the beach and into the lagoon, a poignant moment for guests and resort associates as they witness this miracle of nature in a very fragile process.
The return is part of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s continued commitment to marine conservation activities under its on-site Marine Lab, one of the first marine conservation initiatives in a resort in the Maldives. Over two decades ago, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru’s Marine Lab was launched to assist in coral rehabilitation, reef conservation, marine life monitoring, and environmental education. The Banyan Tree Marine Lab works with guests and associates to contribute to marine conservation activities, including Marine Talks on turtle and shark conservation, reef conservation and monitoring, and ongoing turtle identification and monitoring activities to aid in research initiatives.
Even the critically endangered hawksbill turtles are vulnerable to the loss of their habitat, marine pollution, and climate change in the Maldives. The rare sighting of these turtles on land is a gentle reminder of the need to protect these endangered species. “Moments like are truly special,” says Alex Burden, Marine Lab Manager at Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru. “The return of a sea turtle to our shores is a powerful reflection of what long-term commitment and genuine care for the marine environment can achieve.”
