Portfolio
Features
The Maldives Mission 2022 is an expedition to undertake the first systematic discovery and documentation of ocean life in Maldives from the surface to 1000 metres. The research will inform the designation of extensive new marine protected areas and the sustainable management of Maldives’ ocean. The Mission is a partnership between the Government of Republic of Maldives and Nekton, a UK marine research institute.
Surfer Magazine (2024)
Nekton Maldives Mission 2022 YouTube Short
‘How Maldivian National Champion Aya Naseem is Working to Save the Reef’ by Lucy Small
‘Sand is both a blessing and a curse for the Maldives’ by Audrey Garric and Mathias Depardon
Le Monde (2022) Feature Article
‘Meet The Female Surfers Breaking Waves – And Cultural Taboos – In The Maldives’ by Mark Lynas
Service95 (2022)
BBC (2022) Extreme Conservation
‘Saving the Reefs that protect the Maldives’
Productions
Fulhadhoo Coral Relocation - Maldives Coral Institute (2022)
MCI, in collaboration with Save the Beach Maldives and working with the island community, installed a silt screen and relocated 5,000 colonies of coral in Fulhadhoo, Goidhoo Atoll, that were in danger of being smothered by silt from a harbour development project. This project is supported by Virgin Unite.
Fulhadhoo Coral Restoration Documentary - Maldives Coral Institute & Mars Inc. (2021)
Coral Festival 2020 - Maldives Coral Institute
MCI held a Coral Festival in Thulusdhoo, Kaafu Atoll, celebrating the importance of Maldivian coral reefs and provoking debate about how best to protect them. It was attended by school children, university students, scientists, researchers, practitioners, various stakeholders and decision makers, and ocean lovers from across the country
Events
Coral Workshop
In 2020, I coordinated the Maldives Coral Institute’s Coral Workshop in Thulusdhoo island, bringing together coral scientists, marine biologists, divers, environmental advocates, policy makers, and government representatives to discuss the future of Maldivian reefs.
Chaired by former President Mohamed Nasheed, the workshop created space for collaboration between local and international experts working on coral reef conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable marine management. It was an important opportunity to strengthen conversations around reef protection in the Maldives during a critical time for coral ecosystems.
Coral Festival 2020
I developed and organised the Maldives Coral Institute’s first Coral Festival on Thulusdhoo island in Kaafu Atoll, with support from the Government of Canada. The festival brought together local communities, scientists, students, artists, NGOs, environmental advocates, and national leaders to create conversations around the future of coral reefs in the Maldives.
Through panel discussions, exhibitions, music, art, and interactive activities, we explored issues including climate change, tourism, fishing, and coastal development — helping bring coral reef conservation into wider public and political discussion in the Maldives.
Coral Science: Talks
In 2021, I organised the online seminar Protecting the Future of Maldivian Coral Reefs, where we presented some of the Maldives Coral Institute’s early research projects focused on reef conservation and sustainable development.
The seminar brought together scientists, researchers, and conservation organisations for presentations and panel discussions on the future of Maldivian reefs, marine management, and the environmental challenges facing island nations. Moderated by journalist Zaheena Rasheed, the event created space for collaboration and knowledge-sharing between local and international experts working in marine conservation.
Coral Festival 2023
In 2023, I was once again involved in organising the Coral Festival, a community-focused environmental event created to raise awareness about the importance of coral reefs and marine ecosystems in the Maldives. Since its launch in 2020, the festival has brought together scientists, students, artists, NGOs, local communities, and environmental advocates through workshops, discussions, film screenings, music, art, and interactive activities focused on climate, conservation, and ocean stewardship.
The festival continues to serve as a platform for education, collaboration, and public engagement, encouraging stronger connections between Maldivians — especially young people — and the marine environments that shape island life.
Publications
STUDY
Managing the ecological risks of coral reef interventions - Cordap R&D Technology Roadmap
Contributing Author
2024
2020
2025