UNIVERSITY OF MILANO – BICOCCA
The University of Milano-Bicocca is an internationally recognised important scientific institution. It is present in Maldives since 2009 when the Marine Research and High Education Center (MaRHE) was established in Magoodhoo (Faafu Atoll) to facilitate field work on tropical ecosystems.
The Planhotel Group is proud to promote scientific research on the Resorts of Athuruga, Thudufushi and Bathala in order to advance our knowledge of the marine ecosystem and to help protect the Maldivian reefs.
Each of the resorts has a MaRHE Marine Lab and hosts a resident marine biologist as well as an intern student from the University of Milano-Bicocca. The researchers are actively involved in the collection of data useful to understand the ecological dynamics of the organisms inhabiting the coral reef. Additionally, new techniques for coral conservation and restoration are being tested, while monitoring and analysing the changing features of the ocean and its inhabitants.
Other collaborations and projects focus on the iconic Maldivian megafauna such as whale sharks (The Big Fish Network), sharks and rays (Bathashark, SAFT) and turtles (Olive Ridley Project), as well as the protection of marine ecosystems such as coral reefs (The Oceancy, Maldives Ocean Alliance) and seagrasses (Seagrass Industry Leaders).
However, science is incomplete without the spreading of the information. In order to share knowledge and highlight the fragility of the marine ecosystem, resort guests are actively involved in our research and invited to learn and contribute. The Marine Lab offers regular workshops, talks and special events to feature and celebrate the ocean and its inhabitants. Guests can also actively contribute to our coral conservation project by adopting and planting corals while learning about the nature of corals and how to best protect them.
For more information about our Marine Labs and current projects, please visit the dedicated website: coralframe.planhotel.com
