The country’s largest marine research facility has been inaugurated at Jawakara Islands Maldives, marking a major step forward in advancing marine science and conservation.
The centre was officially opened by Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim together with Mohamed Moosa (Uchu), Chairman of Champa Brothers Maldives Pvt Ltd. The ceremony was attended by Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusaan, Chief of Defence Force Ibrahim Hilmy, 28 scientists, and local stakeholders, highlighting the importance of collaboration in conservation and research. Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Minister Thoriq expressed the government’s hope that the centre would contribute to efforts to designate Lhaviyani Atoll as a biosphere reserve.
During the ceremony, Crown and Champa Resorts’ CEO Mohamed Solah spoke about the group’s sustainability initiatives across its resorts, while Sarah Moosa, Managing Director at Crown Company and Chairperson of Crown and Champa Resorts, stressed the importance of the project and its role in protecting biodiversity.
The centre has been established to monitor the fragile marine environment and will conduct research on climate change, coral reef health, and marine biodiversity. It is equipped with laboratories, quarantine facilities, and classrooms, enabling both local and international studies, and providing hands-on training for research students.
Filip Petre, representing the owners of Champa, acknowledged the guidance and support of his father, Director Lars Petre, and Chairman Mohamed Moosa in realising the project. He added that in the event of natural emergencies such as oil spills or threats to marine life, the institute would play a central role in providing support and assistance.
Coinciding with the launch, the first-ever Atoll Maldives Workshop is also being held from 1 to 5 September 2025 at Jawakara Islands Maldives. The event has brought together leading scientists in marine biology, island ecology, earth sciences, and social sciences to develop actionable solutions for atoll conservation, biodiversity protection, and community sustainability.
Speaking on the purpose of the centre, Filip Petre said: “With this centre we’re hoping to create a very unique experience for our guests where they can come and take part in an educational experience.” He explained that Jawakara, as a multi-generational resort, offers families, especially those with children, opportunities to learn about marine conservation. He added that the research centre staff and resort team will work together to integrate guests into best practices during their visits, fostering greater awareness and connection to the environment.
In collaboration with the Olive Ridley Project, Jawakara Islands Resorts also unveiled a Turtle Health Institute, introducing advanced marine veterinary science, including stem cell therapy and specialised treatments for sea turtles. Equipped with two ICU tanks and five additional tanks, the institute is expected to open within a month.
The Marine Science Centre features five state-of-the-art laboratories, including a specialised coral lab focused on spawning techniques aimed at scaling up reef restoration and improving resilience against rising sea temperatures and disease. Looking ahead, Filip noted: “The long-term vision for this centre is to have partnerships with universities around the world where they would send their professors and students to the centre on a schedule throughout the year.”
