MNU partners with Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru for marine research

The Maldives National University (MNU) and Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru have joined forces, signing an MoU to transform the resort's lagoon into a marine research hub.

This collaborative initiative is set to provide unparalleled opportunities for MNU students and staff to delve into a pristine and diverse marine environment, conducting crucial field and experimental research under real-world conditions.

The agreement was formalized during a ceremony at MNU, with Dr. Aishath Shehenaz Adam, the Vice Chancellor of MNU, and Elias Pertoft, the General Manager of Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, signing the contract.

"This initiative transforms the resort’s house reef and lagoon into a living laboratory, giving MNU students and faculty hands-on access to pristine marine ecosystems," read a post from MNU on X.

The National University further elaborated that specialized research projects will be dedicated to addressing the most pressing environmental challenges confronting the Maldives. A key focus will be monitoring the health of lagoons, including assessing their resilience to coral bleaching events. Long-term studies on populations of large marine mammals, such as whales, are also slated to be undertaken.

In a move towards practical application, both parties will collaboratively formulate research questions to directly gather information on the resort's environmental protection strategies. This direct approach is anticipated to yield immediate practical results and foster positive, long-term environmental changes.

Under the terms of the agreement, MNU students will gain invaluable professional internships through the Banyan Tree Marine Lab. Guided by the resort's marine biologists, students will gain hands-on experience in scientific diving, ecological monitoring, and a range of environmental conservation techniques.

This unique private-academic research collaboration is expected to equip future marine scientists with the essential skills and confidence needed to continue safeguarding the nation's precious marine environment.