Students dive into Marine Learning with Le Méridien Maldives

Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa, together with Sub Oceanic Maldives and Scuba Schools International (SSI) organized a day of marine education and community connection for the students of Olhuvelifushi School last week. 

Following SSI’s visit to Le Méridien Maldives to film training materials on the resort’s vibrant housereef, the resort teamed up with Sub Oceanic and SSI to take conservation efforts further—engaging students at Ohluvelifushi School in a hands-on marine education program that sparked curiosity and environmental awareness.

At the event, Cesar Briliandi, Marine Biologist at Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives, delivered a presentation on sea turtles which captivated the students of Olhuvelifushi School. Through this, the children gained knowledge on differentiating the hawksbill and green sea turtles, understanding their habitats and reasons for the turtles being endangered. 

“At Le Méridien Maldives, we believe in nurturing our world and serving our communities, supporting both resilience and sustainable growth. Partnering with Sub Oceanic Maldives and SSI to bring marine education to local students is a privilege, and we hope to inspire them to become the next generation of ocean guardians”, said Thomas Schult, General Manager at Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa.

The session included interactive games and quizzes, encouraging students to think critically about the ocean's role in their lives. 

“Our mission at Sub Oceanic Maldives is not only to introduce guests to the wonders beneath the surface, but also to empower the next generation with knowledge and passion for the ocean. Watching the students’ enthusiasm reaffirmed that education is the most powerful tool for conservation”, added Florian Gansl, Head of Operations at Sub Oceanic Maldives.

Students participating in the session left with new knowledge and awareness. 

“Our students were deeply inspired by the visit,” said Mr Ibrahim, Principal of Ohluvelifushi School. “They asked questions, learned directly from experts, and now see the ocean as part of their own future.”

SSI's partner Mares - a world-leading manufacturer of scuba, freediving and snorkeling equipment - will be donating snorkeling sets to the Olhuvelifushi School in the coming months. This will be followed by a guided visit to the resort's Marine Conservation Hub and exploration of the resort's house reef. 

“Education has always been central to SSI’s philosophy. By engaging with local communities, we share a passion that strengthen not just the present, but the future of our oceans. We are honoured to work alongside Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives in creating these meaningful opportunities”, said Guido Wätzig, CEO of SSI.

Le Méridien Maldives and Sub Oceanic Maldives aim to broaden the initiative by introducing additional biodiversity and conservation workshops, along with future dive training—cultivating the next generation of ocean stewards in the Maldives.