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Lhaviyani Turtle Festival

Lhaviyani Turtle Festival is an annual event held by Naifaru Juvenile, jointly organised by Naifaru Juvenile, Atoll Marine Centre, and Atoll Volunteers since 2016. 

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The event has developed with every year it has been held, growing into an event which attracts more than 3,000 people. This is the largest marine community outreach event outside of Male, and we look forward to the event every year. 

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The festival is first and foremost an event for school students as they are the next generation of envrionmental stewards, and if we can instill a sense of envrionmental responsibility in young people, this can have trickle-effect into the rest of their families and friendship groups.

Our aim is that at least 20 students from all schools in Lhaviyani atoll are able to attend as well as at least two schools from regional atolls including Raa, Baa, and Noonu, in addition to one school from Male. As the event continues to grow and expand we hope to host even more schools in the future. 

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​As of 2023, the event has grown into a two-day event. On day one, we hold the Atoll Marine Symposium which is a chance to bring other NGOs, council members, tourism operators, and community members together to talk about important marine envrionmental topics, share knoweldge and ideas, and form connections and partnerships to streamline our efforts towards common goals. 

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Day two marks the official festival day, where NGOs and other organisations are invited to hold marine awareness stalls alongside schools who hold their own stalls and compete in the 'best stall design competition'. The stalls consist of fun activities and games which serve to educate others about marine envrionmental topics. There are various other competitions running throughout the day to engage the schools students and create excitement around the festival.

 

We also have local craft and food stall holders, in addition to traditional dance performances, which serve as a celebration of Maldivian culture, making the event an enjoyable and memorable experience for all that attend. 

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We are very proud of this event, and it is a truly valuable opportunity to raise awareness amongst the wider community. It enables us to reach a large audience while spreading awareness about the threats that the marine envrionment faces, and how we can come together to find solutions and make positive change.​

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Aerial shot of the main festival area. Photo taken by Addu Nature Park official photographer.

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Schools preparing their stalls at Lhaviyani Turtle Festival 2024. Photo taken by official photography partner I-Shutter studio

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Presentations being delivered at the 2nd Atoll Marine Symposium held at Villa College. Photo taken by official event photographer I-Shutter studios.

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Schools arriving at the festival through the main entrance archway, designed and painted by Jalley Arts and his art students. Photo taken by official event photographer I-Shutter studios. 

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Read our 2024 turtle festival report here to find out more about the event. 

Traditional dance performances at the main stage. Photo taken by official event photographer I-Shutter studios. 

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