The international non-profit organization Mission Blue has designated Laamu Atoll as one of the world's Hope Spots. Hope Spot highlights Laamu's unique marine ecosystems, the benefits they offer, and the conservation work being done by Six Senses Laamu and its partners in the Maldives Underwater Initiative (MUI) to safeguard them.
The Mission Blue Science Advisory Board identifies Hope Spots around the world as special places essential to ocean health. These areas are recognized as being of significant ecological, economic, and cultural importance, with clear potential to reverse human-caused damage. Mission Blue-designated Laamu Atoll ticks all the boxes as an area deserving of the highest protection—with its precious reefs, vast seagrass meadows, and incredible mangroves.
The explanations of the Dr. Sylvia Earle, founder of Mission Blue, are very clear: " From 2011, when Six Senses Laamu began collecting information, to now, as we celebrate the atoll's designation as a Hope Spot, it truly is a cause for hope. It's so important that we protect the ecosystems there, especially the seagrass beds, which we now know are essential for generating oxygen, capturing carbon, and providing a home and safety for so many creatures not only in the atoll but in the deep. ».
Like seagrass beds, Laamu's mangroves play a similar role: they store carbon. They are also essential to local traditions, including the making of coir rope from coconut husks. The craft, passed down by women from generation to generation, relies on healthy mangrove systems, areas where the husks can soak without deteriorating. Chairman of the Laamu Atoll Council, Ismail Ali, states: “ This Hope Spot offers real hope that Laamu's marine ecosystems, livelihoods and traditions that depend on them will be preserved for generations to come. ».
Laamu's coral reefs are also of considerable importance as they offer undeniable benefits to the ecosystem. Philippe Roe, MUI Chief Marine Biologist, explains to us: “ Unlike other atolls in the Maldives, Laamu has very few reef passes leading from the outer to the inner atoll. These areas are home to healthy populations of endangered species such as humphead wrasse, grey reef sharks, manta rays, and green turtles, to name a few. ».
In 2013, the Maldives archipelago was declared a zone of hope by Mission Blue for its rich marine biodiversity despite its fragility in the face of the climate crisis. Adam Tholhat, Sustainability and Community Outreach Manager at Six Senses Laamu, states: “ By declaring Laamu Atoll a Hope Spot in the Maldives, we have the opportunity to lead and inspire the nation in the areas of local marine protection. ».
By 2022, the Maldivian government has committed to preserving on each quagmire, at least one reef, one mangrove, and one uninhabited island. In 2018, the Laamu Atoll Council decided to protect five ecological zones on the atoll. Significant progress has been made on these goals, and the designation of nationally protected areas is expected in the coming months. Marteyne van Well, general manager of the complex, explain : " Our mission is to leave a legacy in the Maldives, to make this beautiful and unique part of the country even better than when we found it. Today, we take an important step towards achieving this goal. ". And Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses, to add: " At Six Senses, sustainability isn't about sacrifice; it's a celebration of abundance. It ensures future generations will enjoy this unique ecosystem with Six Senses for years to come, and the Laamu Atoll Hope Spot is a realization of this vision. ».
Laamu Atoll's Hope Spot designation stems from an application by MUI, an initiative initiated by Six Senses Laamu and three NGOs: Manta Trust, Blue Marine Foundation, and Olive Ridley Project. MUI's mission is to lead the Maldivian tourism industry toward meaningful marine conservation through three main focuses: research, education, and community. It is through its extensive research projects over the past years that MUI was able to provide Mission Blue with the essential evidence of Laamu's ecological significance and its Hope Spot designation.
If you're curious, if you want to see the wonders hidden beneath the surface of Laamu Atoll, start by watching the beautiful Hope Spot launch video at this website: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmSVfsyDQRU
André Tirlet
