At Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, marine conservation is a deeply rooted commitment that continues to shape both local ecosystems and global awareness.
Four Seasons Resorts Maldives marks a major environmental milestone this year: 15 years of the Maldivian Sea Turtle Conservation Programme (MSTCP) and the planting of the 9,000th coral frame in partnership with Reefscapers. Together, these initiatives represent a long-standing commitment to marine preservation, combining science, care, and education to protect the fragile beauty of the Maldives’ underwater ecosystems.
The conservation story began in 2010, when Four Seasons Resort Landaa Giraavaru inaugurated the country’s first Turtle Rehabilitation Centre. Since then, more than 500 sea turtles have been rescued and rehabilitated, with over 280 successfully released back into the wild. Around the same time, a visionary coral regeneration partnership emerged with coastal oceanographer Thomas Le Berre, leading to the development of a coral propagation technique that has since become a global model. This method, which involves attaching coral fragments to metal frames placed on the seabed, laid the foundation for one of the largest artificial reef structures in the Indian Ocean, now covering 3.05 acres.
At both Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa and Landaa Giraavaru, marine conservation is more than a programme—it is part of the Resorts’ identity. The MSTCP evolved with innovations such as an ocean enclosure, on-site turtle veterinarians, and advanced medical technologies like underwater ultrasound scanners, laser therapy equipment, and the ability to perform complex surgeries under general anaesthesia. At the same time, the coral frames have continued to attract vibrant marine life, including turtles, eagle rays, and even reef sharks, showing the reciprocal relationship between healthy reefs and marine species recovery.
Among the most inspiring outcomes of these efforts is the Flying Turtles initiative, launched in 2016. It provides permanent homes in international oceanariums for turtles that cannot return to the wild due to severe injuries—often caused by entanglement in ghost nets. One such turtle, Trooper, rescued in 2018, became a symbol of hope after being fitted with prosthetic flippers. Trooper’s recovery echoes the resilience seen across the coral frames, where fragments grow into thriving reefs despite challenging environmental conditions.
The shared impact of these milestones extends to education and outreach. At Kuda Huraa, the Junior Marine Savers initiative immerses young guests in marine care, while the Marine Savers team partners with schools, NGOs, and scientific institutions to spread awareness across local communities. These conservation platforms not only protect marine life—they also inspire the next generation of ocean stewards.
“These 15 years have been a journey of learning, innovation, and hope,” says Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager. “From rehabilitating turtles to planting our 9000th coral frame, we remain committed to protecting marine life and inspiring global awareness for ocean conservation.”
From sea turtle rehabilitation to coral reef restoration, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives showcases a legacy of passionate protection and pioneering innovation—continuing to inspire global ocean stewardship through science, community engagement, and immersive guest experiences.
