HELP FOR HAWKSBILLS: PATINA MALDIVES, FARI ISLANDS PROVIDESLAUNCHPAD FOR COUNTRY’S FIRST EVER SEA TURTLE
GENETICS EXPEDITION
Pilot study by the Olive Ridley Project and the Environmental Protection
Agency of the Maldives will aid conservation efforts by unravelling thegenetic makeup and population structures of the critically endangered
hawksbill sea turtle.
One year on from its opening, Patina Maldives, Fari Islands is taking
another step forward in its pursuit of ‘Perpetuality’ by facilitating apioneering genetic research expedition to study the local Maldivianhawksbill sea turtle population. Conducted by registered turtle
conservation charity the Olive Ridley Project (ORP) in conjunction with
the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of the Maldives, the pilot
expedition will depart from Patina Maldives later this year on a mission togather tissue samples that will unravel the genetic makeup of Maldivian
hawksbill sea turtles – revealing some of the mysteries of this criticallyendangered species.
Described as “the never-ending journey to making a positive impact on
people and place”, Patina’s interpretation of ‘Perpetuality’ is the guiding
principle behind a growing number of pioneering sustainability initiatives.
From its Fab Lab, where kids can turn marine plastic into 3D-printedmodels; to free kids’ diving lessons to nurture next-generation respect
for the environment; to becoming the first resort in the Maldives with
100 percent solar-powered kids’ club, recreation and dive centres, Patina
Maldives has rapidly become a standard-bearer for marine conservationin the Maldives. Providing financial and logistical support for this crucial
genetic research expedition represents a natural next step in the resort’s
longstanding strategic alliance with Olive Ridley Project.

info.maldives@patinahotels.com
www.patinahotels.com/maldives@patinamaldives@patinamaldivesImage courtesy of Olive Ridley Project & Alex Mustard

Says Dr Stephanie Köhnk, lead scientist, Olive Ridley Project and authorof the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Maldives National
Red List Assessment on the Hawksbill Sea Turtle, “Until now our studiesof turtle populations have relied on photo identification of individuals via
unique scale patterns on their heads. While this means anyone with anunderwater camera can contribute to the research, it only provides – quite
literally – a snapshot, since turtles can travel thousands of miles acrossareas of the ocean that are not readily accessible to humans. This targeted
expedition will instead gather genetic material for analysis, addressing
a major research gap, with the aim of assessing the genetic diversity,
population structure and connectivity of hawksbill turtles in the Maldives.”
Trained individuals from Olive Ridley Project, the Environmental Protection
Agency as well as the Maldives’ Ministry of Environment will use tried andtested in-water methods to collect tissue samples from turtles’ flippers
for genotyping. The resulting data will be used to establish the firstever baseline genetic dataset for this species in the Maldives; further
understanding of how different hawksbill turtle populations are related,both within the Maldives and in a larger regional context; and identify
important genetically unique subgroups and ‘hotspots’ of high genetic
diversity. These findings will in turn support and inform both local andregional policy and management plans for a critically endangered species
in a highly understudied part of its distribution.
On the morning of the expedition, Patina guests will be invited to join Dr
Köhnk for a guided tour of the research vessel, revealing the painstaking
planning and specialist equipment involved in frontline marine biologicalresearch. Guests will also have a unique opportunity to shadow the firststage of the expedition on a turtle snorkeling trip led by Dr Köhnk; andto further support this pioneering research and conservation initiative by‘adopting’ turtles included in the study. Adoptees will be able to nametheir turtle, receive future re-sighting alerts, and enjoy priority access toupdates and insights from the project.
The sea turtle genetic research expedition forms part of a wider strategic
alliance between Patina Maldives and Olive Ridley Project that is anchoredin a shared ‘Oceans First’ ethos. From 1 June, a sea turtle biologist will
be stationed on-island at Patina Maldives, acting as a guest educator;
overseeing rescue efforts for any sea turtles that become entangled in socalled ghost gear in the area; and supporting ongoing photo identificationand population monitoring in North Male Atoll – home to the second
largest turtle database in the country. The Patina Maldives team, alongwith its Fari Islands neighbours, also contributes to the ongoing removalof ghost gear from the ocean, providing Olive Ridley Project with valuable
data that can be used to trace the origins of discarded or abandoned
fishing equipment and help tackle the problem at source.

ABOUT PATINA HOTELS & RESORTS
Patina Hotels & Resorts is the latest hospitality concept from Capella
Hotel Group. Born out of guests’ desire to honour individuality,
Patina appeals to a new generation of travellers who seek deeper
connections with themselves and the world around them. The humancentred design flows with the natural modes people are in, gently andintuitively providing for each guest’s individual needs, ensuring that notwo stays are exactly the same. A five-star, sophisticated lifestyle brand,Patina Maldives, Fari Islands will be the first launch, with a property
in development in Ubud, Bali and opportunities in China, Japan andSoutheast Asia also being pursued.
ABOUT FARI ISLANDS
Fari Islands is an elevated Maldivian resort experience that celebrates
nature, craft and connection. A Pontiac Land Group development
anchored by three world-class hospitality brands, Fari Islands is locatedin the North Malé Atoll within the Maldives, a 45-minute luxury boattransfer from Malé International Airport. The archipelago also features
the picturesque Fari Marina Village, built around a vibrant BeachClub, charming boutiques and a selection of handpicked, upscale
food and beverage options. Spaces have been masterfully designedby renowned architects from Studio MK27 (by Marcio Kogan), Kengo
Kuma & Associates, and Kerry Hill Architects, to bring about adelicate balance of serene and social. One of the islands is home to athoughtful hospitality campus; Fari Campus is a dedicated island forstaff with a focus on community, education, and engagement, and is

For further press information or images
on Patina Hotels & Resorts, please contact:
Luann Alphonso (luann.alphonso@patinahotels.com)
Zainab Shihab (zainab.shihab@patinahotels.com)
Patina Maldives, Fari Islands
Fari Veli Huraa
North Malé Atoll, 20026