"Coral Festival" by Maldives Coral Institute successfully concludes

The Coral Festival, an initiation centered around sessions enlightening the public on the importance of protecting coral gardens and the surrounding environment, has successfully concluded.

An initiative by the Maldives Coral Institute (MCI), the one-day Coral Festival was inaugurated in Thulusdhoo island of Kaafu atoll by Parliament Speaker and Former President Mohamed Nasheed, who founded the MCI. It was held from 10am to 6pm on Tuesday.

The event was opened to the public and was centered around fun activities including snorkeling, music, art, panel talks, the water and beach sports. It was held after a Coral Workshop on 24 February where discussions were held regarding different work conducted at the institute.

During the activities, the public was enlightened on protecting coral gardens and the surrounding environment and participants explored how they may work towards ensuring survival of the coral reefs, which have been threatened by human activities and climate change.

Several local talents including artists and musicians were featured during the event, including a White Fire Art Exhibition by famous photographer who goes by the name “Double Dot”, mural paintings by Toxicrew’s Sobah, stalls and exhibits by the government of Canada, Avahteri Gallery, Island Bazaar and Toddy as well as demonstrations from Vadaanfoshi and Parley.

Afternoon activities included a painting and printmaking workshops for children by Artyfingers, a session for snorkeling and surfing as well as a virtual reality swim.

The event was a plastic-free event and had generous contributions from the science industry, government and Local NGOs.

President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih also participated in the event, the first of its kind held by the MCI. Further, Tourism Minister Ali Waheed, Fisheries Minister Zaha Waheed and Environment Minister Hussain Rasheed Hassan also joined the panel discussions alongside several other officials.