Six Senses Laamu Celebrates the Anniversary of Its Sea Hub

Six Senses Laamu celebrates the first anniversary of its Sea Hub of Environmental Learning in Laamu (SHELL), showcasing the resort's unwavering commitment to marine conservation and environmental education.

In March 2023, Six Senses Laamu revealed the SHELL on its sunset beach, a significant step in promoting environmental awareness and education. This immersive exhibition space, spanning 2,336 square feet (217 square meters), offers an opportunity for resort guests, hosts, and Maldivian residents to discover and study the diverse local marine life. The SHELL also includes a functional marine laboratory operated by the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI), a joint effort involving marine biologists from Six Senses Laamu collaborating with three partner NGOs: Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and Olive Ridley Project. The current research team consists of more than ten marine biologists.

Collaborative Research Efforts Yield Remarkable Results

The SHELL has boosted MUI’s research efforts, focusing on projects like coral larval restoration and sea turtle DNA analysis. Currently, there are over 10,000 baby corals of various species being cultivated at the SHELL. More than 12 million coral larvae have already been introduced to the resort’s house reef. The sea turtle genetics project includes obtaining genetic samples from deceased hatchlings, furthering knowledge of the Maldivian sea turtle population.

The MUI team has carried out various research projects, including the documentation of over 1,000 turtles and 140 manta rays in Laamu Atoll. These initiatives help enhance knowledge of Laamu's marine ecosystem and have led to the publication of a peer-reviewed scientific paper on marine megafauna and the analysis of blue carbon in seagrass and mangrove habitats.

Community Engagement and Recognition

Over the last year, SHELL has hosted 24 notable guests, such as well-known naturalist and BBC host Steve Backshall. Interactions with university professors, researchers, and even astronauts during Karman Week have resulted in beneficial partnerships and research collaborations.

In addition to research, the SHELL functions as a platform for discovery and learning. The SHELL at Six Senses Laamu has hosted more than 300 community members in the past year. An important project, the "Hello Hallu" initiative, aimed to encourage and empower students to actively contribute to the conservation of their local environments. This initiative had a significant impact by reaching all schools in Laamu Atoll and involving a total of 237 students. Collaborating with the MUI team, students explored various habitats in Laamu, such as mangrove forests, seagrass meadows, and coral reefs, in addition to learning about sustainable fishing methods and large marine animals.

Shell received the Aspire Sustainability Initiative of the Year Award in 2023 for its pioneering sustainability initiatives at Six Senses Laamu, highlighting the resort's dedication to marine conservation.

Lawrence Menz, Director of Sustainability and Conservation at Six Senses Laamu, praises the SHELL as a remarkable accomplishment resulting from our dedication to research, education, and community involvement. The initiative, initially conceived more than 5 years ago, represents a significant advancement in marine conservation within Laamu Atoll. Since its establishment, the SHELL has hosted over 6,000 guests and local community members. The most gratifying aspect for us is witnessing local students express their newfound enthusiasm for their island home. They share that visiting the SHELL has inspired them to emphasize the importance of conservation to their parents, families, and friends.

Marteyne van Well, General Manager of Six Senses Laamu, stated that the SHELL demonstrates their commitment to environmental stewardship. It serves as a platform to inspire, educate, and support conservation efforts in the Maldives. Van Well was featured in Forbes magazine for her role in protecting the ocean.