Six Senses Laamu Revives Laamafaru Marine Conservation Festival

Six Senses Laamu and the Maldives Underwater Initiative will host the seventh edition of the Laamafaru Festival on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at Hamad Bin Khaleefa Al Thani School in L. Gan [1]. Returning after a three-year hiatus under the theme “Protecting Our Oceans Together,” the event brings together all 11 inhabited islands of Laamu Atoll for marine conservation education, creative competitions, and community engagement [1].

When and where will the Laamafaru Festival take place?

The festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 5, 2026, hosted at the Hamad Bin Khaleefa Al Thani School on the island of L. Gan [1]. As reported by eHotelier, this marks the event's return following a three-year break [1]. The gathering is free and open to everyone across the region [1].

What is the history behind the Laamafaru Festival?

The conservation event originally launched in 2016 under the name Laamu Turtle Festival [1]. Over time, organizers broadened its scope beyond sea turtle protection to cover coral reefs, seagrass meadows, and mangrove forests [1]. Since its inception, the initiative has engaged over 43,900 people through digital campaigns and in-person attendance while working directly with 12 schools across Laamu Atoll [1].

What educational programming will the event offer?

Educational offerings include exhibitions created by the Maldives Underwater Initiative research team [1]. Scientists, conservation advocates, and community leaders will deliver NGO presentations, run educational games, and guide hands-on activities [1]. These exhibits spotlight the atoll's coral reefs, mangrove ecosystems, and seagrass beds, which sustain local food security and livelihoods [1].

Which competitions and cultural events are scheduled?

The schedule features creative competitions alongside traditional cultural showcases [1]. Attendees can enter the Moodhuge Vaahaka poster competition to illustrate ocean stories, or join the Trash to Treasure sculpture contest transforming discarded waste into art [1]. Maldivian photographers can submit work to an open photography contest capturing island life [1]. Additional activities include a collaborative live mural, a recycled-costume reef rally, local food and craft vendors, and performances featuring Boduberu and Laamu Sagaafee Hunaru [1].

Who are the partner organizations and featured guests?

Maldivian competitive swimmer, educator, and ocean advocate Aminath Zuna serves as the event's Guest of Honor [1]. Multiple environmental and civic organizations are participating, including the Maldives Ocean Plastic Alliance, Parley Maldives, Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme, Atoll Marine Centre, Miyaru, Spot On, Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives, and the Maldives Heritage Society [1].