State-of-the-Art Sea Turtle Health Centre (SHTI)
Inaugurated at Jawakara

A new chapter in marine conservation has begun at Jawakara Islands Maldives with the official inauguration of the Sea Turtle Health Institute (STHI) on 10 May 2026. Founded and operated in partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), the pioneering facility is dedicated to rescuing and providing clinical care to injured sea turtles from across the Maldives. Although formally inaugurated this month, the centre has been fully operational since February 2025.

Already making a meaningful impact, the STHI has successfully treated and released two sea turtles during its soft opening phase, while six turtles are currently receiving specialised care. The facility features seven rehabilitation tanks including two intensive care tanks for critically injured turtles, surgical and diagnostic facilities and educational spaces, with the capacity to care for up to 7 turtle patients at a time. Notably, it houses the Indian Ocean’s first dedicated sea turtle Intensive Care Unit and is regarded as the region’s largest integrated sea turtle treatment, research and education centre.

The institute forms part of Jawakara’s wider Marine Research Center, which also includes coral propagation laboratories and learning facilities. In collaboration with the Maldives National University, the institute will also provide a Sea Turtle Veterinary Assistant Diploma Programme to Maldivian and International students, strengthening veterinary expertise.

Guests staying at Jawakara Island Maldives and Nala Maldives by Jawakara are invited to tour the institute, meet its turtle patients and support conservation through the tturtle patient programme. Through science, education and community engagement, Jawakara continues to champion a more sustainable future for the Maldives’ marine ecosystems.