Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu Marks a Decade of Sea Turtle Conservation with The Olive Ridley Project

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu, part of boutique-island resort collective Coco Collection, is celebrating ten years of partnership with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP), a charity dedicated to protecting sea turtles and their habitats, marking a decade of commitment to marine conservation in the Maldives.

Now celebrating a decade of collaboration, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu and the Olive Ridley Project opened the Maldives’ first veterinary-led Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in 2017, pioneering specialised sea turtle care in the country. Since then, the centre has treated and released 152 injured turtles, achieving a rehabilitation success rate of nearly 60%, and plays a vital role in helping turtles affected by human activities such as entanglement in marine debris and ghost nets.

Alongside its rescue work, ORP leads vital long-term sea turtle research across the Maldives, with data on nesting, populations and threats, contributing to the country’s first National Red List Assessment of Threatened Species, released in 2022.

Working alongside citizen scientists, the Maldives research team has documented more than 45,000 sea turtle encounters nationwide. Over the past decade, Coco Collection has been a major contributor to this effort, recording nearly 3,500 encounters and reinforcing its position as one of ORP’s most significant research partners.

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu invites guests to connect with the conservation efforts through weekly marine talks, educational sessions led by the resident Marine Educator, and the unforgettable opportunity to witness rehabilitated sea turtles return to the ocean.

“Celebrating ten years of partnership with the Olive Ridley Project is a moment of immense pride for Coco Collection. What began as a shared commitment to preserving marine life in the Maldives has grown into a long-term collaboration rooted in education, conservation and meaningful guest experiences. Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s ORP Marine Turtle Rescue Centre continues to go from strength to strength with support of the Olive Ridley Project, and we look forward to what the next decade will bring for our local marine life conservation efforts” says Siraj Waseem, General Manager at Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu.

Dr Martin Stelfox, Founder & CEO at Olive Ridley Project further agreed with this by stating: “Celebrating ten years with Coco Collection reflects a pioneering partnership and a decade of progress in sea turtle conservation in the Maldives. Together, we have driven advances in sea turtle conservation medicine and research, while inspiring thousands of guests and many Maldivian interns to connect with, care for, and protect the Maldives’ extraordinary marine environment.”

Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu’s ORP Marine Turtle Rescue has hosted 10 veterinary surgeons over the years, each contributing to the advancement of sea turtle conservation medicine in the Maldives. Through the Sea Turtle Veterinary Trainee Programme, the resort and the Olive Ridley Project have trained 29 veterinary professionals from 12 countries, strengthening a global network of high-quality sea turtle clinical care across the Indian Ocean and beyond.

Beyond its conservation initiatives, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu offers a diverse range of experiences for both sanctuary seekers and adventure lovers. Guests can enjoy water sports such as water skiing, surfing and parasailing, or explore the surrounding turquoise waters by sailing, paddle-boarding and kayaking. Cultural enthusiasts can also immerse themselves in local island life, discovering Maldivian heritage through curated Coco Experiences. As the resort marks ten years with the Olive Ridley Project, Coco Palm Dhuni Kolhu continues to demonstrate that meaningful conservation and unforgettable guest experiences go hand in hand.