उद्घाटन रिट्रीट 23 से 28 अक्टूबर 2022 तक होगा, रिसॉर्ट-आधारित मानता ट्रस्ट संगठन के सहयोग से, उनके प्राकृतिक आवास में मंटा किरणों के लिए शिक्षित, अन्वेषण और जागरूकता बढ़ाने के लिए एक सोच-समझकर क्यूरेट कार्यक्रम बनाया गया है।
The dedicated Manta Retreat, InterContinental Maldives, and Manta Trust are working to elevate their manta ray conservation and research efforts. Guests can get involved and experience first-hand why manta rays need protection and attention.
The resort’s unique location within the largely untouched Raa Atoll, just a few boat miles away from Hanifaru Bay, the largest manta ray feeding spot known in the world, and the resort island located within the unique Maamunagau lagoon, are perfect for spending time with manta rays all year round. Maamunagau is a known juvenile Manta Ray aggregation spot, where young manta rays spend their days in a sheltered area until they are large enough to travel the atolls.
Participants of the Manta Retreat will gain exclusive insights into the work of the Manta Trust and get close to these gentle giants on several occasions. The retreat will take place over five days from 23rd October 2022 and include several snorkeling trips to search and identify the manta rays of the Maldives, as well as workshops and talks on several marine topics. The annual retreat has yet to set its 2023 dates.
Jessica Haines, the resort-based Manta Trust Project Manager who will lead the retreat, said: “It is important to me to make this retreat an enjoyable but educational experience for all participants. And as we want to take this opportunity to raise awareness of how our marine life depends on each other, there will be many touch points on different topics.”
Participants will also learn about corals, coral propagation, turtles, and how to ID a manta ray. She continued, “Of course, the mantas will be the retreat stars, but there is more to talk about. Understanding that the plankton in our ocean is the foundation for so much marine life is a great example. When you observe plankton under a microscope, you only begin to understand how diverse marine life is. Our approach is to give the participants a holistic experience that is enriching and raises awareness for marine protection simultaneously.”
Participants will also have the opportunity to enjoy the InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort facilities and accommodation. For certified divers, arrangements can be made to visit the dedicated dive spots around the resort where they can observe the natural manta ray ‘spa’, known as cleaning stations.
For further information and to book, visit maldives.intercontinental.com/sustainability/manta-retreat
