Sun Aqua Vilu Reef, located at South Nilandhe atoll a short 35-minute seaplane journey from the airport, is a palm fringed paradise. The beauty of the island is emphasized by the dedicated staff that resides within. Many times before, initiatives have been set in motion by team members to help in taking care of the environment. Helping sea turtles in their fight against human poachers and erosion of their nesting sites is a meaningful effort by Sun Aqua Vilu Reef.
There are seven turtle nests to be accounted for on the island as of now. In order to ensure the future of the sea turtles in the Maldivian waters, new hatchlings are cared for at the resort. The whole team at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef are deeply committed to protecting marine life around the island.
(Guests at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef initiating the event)
Once the protected hatchlings have imprinted on the sand, most of them are released into the sea. Some require extra care and is put in the specialized pools for up to 18 months in order to improve their chances of survival in their natural habitat. While in the care of the resort team, the turtles are monitored, kept clean, weighed and measured regularly. A fresh diet of squid, lobster and fish eggs are fed to them daily. The turtles are reared until they are 30 centimeters and weighs 4 kilos, this is to further ensure their safety as at this size they are big enough not to fall in line with predators which hunt baby turtles.
This program of nest protection and rearing led the resort to work with local island communities so as to encourage the protection of turtle nests. In order to give these endangered sea creatures a chance at survival, Corporate Social Responsibility Department of the resort in association with students of a nearby island school, hosts a program for “releasing baby turtles”.
(Guests at Sun Aqua Vilu Reef taking part in the initiative)
Sea turtles are an endangered species. Taking responsibility for the human activities have made a negative impact on the survival of these ancient majestic creatures, the team members at the Sun Aqua Vilu Reef believe everyone needs to take part in order to protect them. “Help us to SAVE THE SEA TURTLE and preserve our marine environment” the team puts out their message in a press release.
