The Jawakara Marine Research Center and upcoming research

Jawakara Island Maldives Resort, run by Crown and Champa in Lhaviyani Atoll, opened a Marine Research Center yesterday.

The opening ceremony was conducted by the Minister of Tourism and Environment Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Homeland Security and Technology Ali Ihusan and owner of Champa Brothers Mohamed Moosa (Uchu).

CEO of Crown and Champa Resorts Mohamed Solah spoke at the ceremony, stating the company's resorts provide their services with environmentally friendly and sustainable development in mind. He also said that the company resorts utilize solar energy for 30 to 40 percent of their electricity needs.

Solah went on to say that while tourism has developed, he highlighted the importance of Maldivian tourism's most important resources, its ocean. He also said that it is important to protect the creatures that live in the sea and to learn about it. Solah stated that the Jawakara Marine Research Center is a company initiative that prioritizes environmental protection which provide opportunities for those who want to progress in the field.

Tourism Minister Thoriq stated that the opening of the research center is a boon to the nation due to the need the country has for environmental development, with its importance also being seen in government policies as environmental study and research play an important role. Thoriq also said that the Maldivian tourism industry's initiative is that these sort of milestones are also to be celebrated.

With the government working to make Lhaviyani Atoll a biosphere reserve, assistance from a research center such as this would be required, said Thoriq.

A research laboratory was also built in the center, along with a quarantine facility and classrooms for study.

<b>The first "Atoll Maldives Workshop"</b>

Along with the opening of the Jawakara Marine Research Center, the first "Atoll Maldives Workshop" will also be held, with New Zealand's Oakland University and America's EPA joining forces for a five day period.

The purpose of the "Atoll Maldives Workshop" is to present research pertaining to the formation of atolls and the biodiversity within its waters. Jawakara has said that this is their first time hosting such a conference.

28 scientists from various countries will convene at the conference to share their research and findings. World famous scientists from fields such as marine biology, island ecology, earth science and social science will be attending. Well-known environmental protection scientists who work at Maldivian organizations will also be present.

Scientists held a session yesterday and will continue to do so today as well.

<b>Turtle Health Institute</b>

The Turtle Health Institute is a joint and ongoing effort between the research center and the Olive Ridley Project, a private organization that has a focus in the protection of turtles. The construction of the institute is set for completion by next month.

As per Jawakara, the institute will have modern resources and technology such as stem cell therapy and advanced turtle treatments.