A New Chapter for Atoll Resilience:
Jawakara Hosts the First-Ever Atoll Conference

It began with an idea, that atolls, often seen as fragile and doomed in the face of climate change, could instead become symbols of resilience. From September 1st to 5th, 2025, that idea came to life at Jawakara Islands Maldives, where the resort hosted the nation’s first-of-its-kind Atoll Conference.

For five days, more than 30 international experts, geologists, marine biologists, anthropologists, ecologists, sociologists, and local stakeholders, came together with one goal: to reimagine the future of atolls. The conference was not just about science; it was about community, collaboration, and the possibility of hope.

At the Heart of the Vision

Sustainability has always been central to Jawakara’s philosophy. The resort is home to the Jawakara Atoll Research Center and the Maldives’ first Sea Turtle Teaching Hospital, both born from the belief that science, education, and community must go hand in hand.

“The idea for the Research Center and the Sea Turtle Institute was part of the Jawakara vision from the very beginning,” said Filip Petre, Owners’ Representative at Champa Lars. “We wanted to create something unique and environmentally sustainable for our guests, an experience that allows them to learn about the island ecosystem while contributing to its protection. The Sea Turtle Institute is one of a kind, and we believe there is a real need for such a facility. Hosting this conference is just the beginning of the kind of transformative work that will take place here.”

Filip also spoke about the broader potential of the center:
“Our labs can be converted into operational and diagnostic facilities in times of crisis. This means the center is not only dedicated to turtle conservation but also ready to play a vital role in environmental emergency responses across the region.”

A First for the Maldives, and the World

The Sea Turtle Institute, developed in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project, is already breaking new ground.
“This is the Maldives’ first sea turtle teaching hospital, and we will soon implement the world’s first accredited sea turtle veterinary nursing program, developed in partnership with Maldives National University,” explained Isha Afeef from the Olive Ridley Project.

“Our mission here goes beyond treatment. We want to give students, both Maldivian and international, the opportunity to practice turtle medicine, gain hands-on experience, and directly contribute to turtle conservation.” The facility is equipped with two intensive care tanks and five additional tanks fitted with underwater monitoring cameras. It is pioneering new treatments, including stem cell therapies adapted from human medicine.  “This center has both national and international implications,” Isha added. “It positions the Maldives as a leader in marine animal medicine while addressing a pressing global conservation need.”

Rethinking Atoll Futures

The conference itself was led by Sebastian Steibl of Naturalis Biodiversity Centre, Netherlands and James Russell of the University of Auckland, New Zealand, who framed the event as a turning point.

“Atolls are often described as lost causes to climate change, with rising sea levels painting a grim picture of their future. But two decades of research have shown us that there is still hope, local actions can build resilience,” they reflected. “What we achieved here in the Maldives was to bring together leading global experts, local NGOs, and community representatives to rethink what atoll sustainability can look like. The insights shared here will strengthen conservation, tourism, and community adaptation strategies for years to come.” As part of the program, participants visited Olhuveli Fushi, a nearby inhabited island, and an uninhabited nursery for nurse sharks and rays, connecting research discussions to lived realities and community life.

Voices from the Conference

For many attendees, the gathering at Jawakara Islands was as personal as it was scientific, offering a rare opportunity to connect global expertise with local experience. Zaahie Saeed from Griffiths University, Australia, described the event as “truly inspiring,” noting how it brought together researchers from around the world in a way that allowed knowledge and local insight to intersect. She highlighted the significance of Jawakara’s new research center, emphasizing that it not only advances science but also ensures that Maldivian communities are actively involved in shaping sustainable solutions. “It gives me hope that we are building a stronger foundation for collaboration, innovation, and resilience,” she added.

Representatives from Maldives Resilient Reefs, Shaha Hashim and Naffath Nasir, echoed this sentiment, reflecting on the holistic approach the conference encouraged. They shared how discussions extended beyond marine ecosystems to include terrestrial environments and other crucial factors that sustain atoll communities. The workshop allowed them to learn from international experts while also sharing their own experiences and solutions. “This exchange of knowledge reinforced the importance of collaboration and collective problem-solving for advancing the sustainability and resilience of atoll communities,” they noted.

Ahmed Reehan Mohamed (Rikky) of the Miyaru Shark Program highlighted the conference’s role in strengthening vital conservation priorities, particularly the Maldives’ shark ban. He emphasized that gatherings like this are essential for fostering collaboration, reinforcing regulations, and safeguarding marine species for future generations.

Adding a broader ecological perspective, Dr. Alex Wegmann from The Nature Conservancy stressed the value of recognizing the atolls’ ecological and cultural importance. He noted that while communities of practice for managing local threats already exist, they can be further strengthened with support and resources. According to Dr. Wegmann, this recognition and investment are crucial to restoring and protecting the inherent resilience of atolls against climate impacts.

Together, these voices painted a picture of hope and possibility, underscoring the power of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and local engagement in shaping a sustainable future for the Maldives’ atolls.

Looking Ahead

The conference closed on a hopeful note: that atolls, far from being destined for loss, can be resilient when supported by science, community, and innovation.

The Atoll Conference at Jawakara Islands was more than an event. It was the beginning of a new era a commitment to partnership between the Maldives, global scientific communities, and local stakeholders. It set the stage for the Jawakara Atoll Research Center and the Sea Turtle Institute to become not only hubs of discovery but also beacons of education, resilience, and hope for generations to come.