Mercure Maldives Kooddoo Resort has launched a groundbreaking collaboration with the MaRHE Center at the University of Milano-Bicocca. This partnership focuses on advancing research on the tropical marine ecosystems of Gaafu Alifu Atoll. With particular attention on the unique resident dolphin populations in the area. These dolphins remain a rare phenomenon in the Maldives, and this research aims to uncover the reasons behind their residency.
As part of this collaboration, the resort will host a special event on 12th December 2024, to share current findings with key stakeholders in the Maldives. This event will highlight the ongoing research and its significance for the region’s marine life.
“I am proud of this project, which allows us to expand our knowledge of marine ecology in these underexplored areas,” said Professor Paolo Galli, Director of the MaRHE Center. Under his guidance, the initiative offers students in marine biology valuable fieldwork experience. Researchers will study the dolphin species, analyze their population structures, and use molecular ecology techniques to investigate their diet.
In addition to the dolphin research, the collaboration will also study coral reefs and reef fish. This expanded research will help improve the understanding of the southern Maldives’ marine ecosystems. Furthermore, renowned cetologist Elena Valsecchi is leading two master’s students from the International Marine Sciences program. They are conducting fieldwork that includes photo identification, vocalization recordings, and environmental DNA analysis.
The project has already begun, thanks to the facilitation of Italian Consul Giorgia Marazzi, and is supported by Mercure Maldives Kooddoo. This partnership not only marks a significant step in understanding and preserving the unique marine life of the southern Maldives; it also aims to increase the visibility of the country’s marine life and promote eco-tourism.
