Resort Representation Agency, World Resorts of Distinction (WRD), unveiled the latest news from its boutique resort client, Coco Collection in the Maldives, where four women recently completed an unprecedented stand up paddle boarding expedition to raise awareness about ocean health.

The ‘Stand up For Our Seas’ campaign saw four brave and passionate women travel 100 kilometres through the Baa Atoll between 21 and 28 February, with the intention of educating people about plastic pollution, climate change and marine wildlife in the Maldives.

Dr Cal Major, Dr Claire Petros, Dhafeena “Dhafy” Hassan Ibrahim, and Shaaziya “Saazu” Saeed started their round-trip journey at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, and then across eight days, traveled from island to island across the Baa Atoll.

The team delivered educational talks to locals and tourists at six stops, sharing crucial information about the status of turtles in the Maldives and around the world; better waste management processes for resorts in the area; and ways individuals can reduce the use of harmful plastics in their daily lives. Throughout their journey the women faced many challenges, including sudden changes of wind and current, which frequently proved stronger than normal for this time of year in the Maldives. Their physical and mental endurance was tested to the limit, however, they persevered – even clocking 18 kilometres in one day –  to conduct clean-ups, share their knowledge, and spend quality time in their favourite place, the ocean.

WRD Resort Marketing Manager, Narelle Christoffersen-Langton said the trip was endorsed by Maldivian dignitaries including the Minister of Education Dr Aishath Ali, Minister of Tourism Ali Waheed, and Minister of Environment Dr Hussain Rasheed, and was created with dual purpose.

“Not only was the Stand up For Our Seas campaign designed to educate locals about the importance of protecting their surrounding environment, it was also a global call to action, to remind the world that it’s everyone’s responsibility to preserve the ocean,” she said.

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