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Addu and Fuvahmulah Join UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves

aerial view of Fuvahmulah, now one of the biosphere reserves
The Maldives' southernmost atolls Addu and Fuvahmulah have joined UNESCO's World of Network of Biosphere reserves.

The Maldives’ southernmost atolls Addu and Fuvahmulah have been declared as UNESCO Biosphere Reserves. This declaration was made at 32nd session of the UNESCO International Coordinating Council. UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) program added 25 new Biosphere Reserves this year.

The UNESCO biosphere reserves seek to reconcile human activity with the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity. Furthermore, they are a central element of UNESCO’s research and awareness-raising work to foster innovative sustainable development practices and combat the loss of biodiversity supporting communities and Member States’ understanding, valuing and safeguard the living environment.

Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve

The southernmost atoll of the Maldives, Addu comprises a total of 30 islands. Likewise, 17 of these islands remain uninhabited. The atoll is also one of the most diverse coral reef ecosystems in the Maldives including; lagoons, reef passes, seagrass beds, sandbanks, coral islands, lush tropical vegetation, mangroves, wetlands, brackish lakes (locally known as kilhis) agricultural land and also residential areas.

According to UNESCO, the establishment of Addu Atoll Biosphere Reserve reinforces ongoing efforts to manage coral reef ecosystem services through sustainable development.

Fuvahmulah Biosphere Reserve

Fuvahmulah is a large island in the southern part of the Maldives. The new biosphere reserve encompasses an entire atoll ecosystem. This includes the most diverse of coral ecosystems in the country with healthy habitats and unique coral sand beach formations.

The surface of the island also holds the form of a very shallow bowl with two mangroves and wetlands (locally known as Kilhi) at medial low points, forming two small linked sub-catchments. Moreover, the Kilhis in Fuvahmulah has influenced the lifestyle of the island’s inhabitants. Most inhabitants of the island make a living mostly with tourism, small-scale fishing and agriculture.

Before, Baa Atoll remained as the only Biosphere Reserve in the Maldives. UNESCO designates new biosphere reserves every year by the MAB programme’s governing body, the International Co-ordinating Council. Likewise, this council has a rotating elected membership of 34 UNESCO Member States.

Feature image by See from the Sky
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Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

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