Turtle festival to begin with 54 turtles

Lhaviyani Turtle Festival, organized by Lhaviyani Atoll Naifaru Juvenile, has been set for 14 July 2017, Friday.

They have established an Atoll Marine Center in the island of Naifaru serving as a sanctuary to turtles and tortoise to protect the species. There are 54 turtles at the Marine Center at the moment and over 600 animals have been rescued, treated and released into the wild.

A leading official of the organization told Sun Media today that information will be given on the different types of turtles and on how to protect the environment at the second Turtle Festival held on Friday at the Marine Center from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

All schools and resorts in the Lhaviyani atoll and some resorts from Noonu and Baa atoll are set to take part in the festival along with Baa atoll Kamadhoo School, Flinders University Australia, Saving Nemo Foundation, UNDP, EPA, Save the Beach, Marine Survey and the Manta Trust.

Lhaviyani Atoll Marine Center conducts programs to report individuals who are illegally keeping protected species, rehabilitating rescued animals, treating injured turtles and awareness programs to protect marine life.

With three permanent staff, Lhaviyani Atoll Marine Center is the only such center in an inhabited island in the Maldives. However, many resorts have their own sanctuaries and marine centers.