Ocean Defenders
Collaboration with Save Maldives Campaign
As an ocean nation and people, Maldives today is in desperate need of a united and collective effort to defend our coastlines, beaches, reefs, waves and all life sustained by the ocean. Our education system does not provide our young people with the essential knowledge and skills to understand, appreciate and value the natural environment on which our lives and wellbeing depend. This critical gap in the school curriculum and the destructive nature of “development” in the Maldives have left young people disconnected from our natural geography and associated living environment that makes life livable in our ocean nation. Responding to this are ocean defenders like Hassan, who are dedicated to supporting young people to learn with and on the ocean for a resilient future, in a time of deep uncertainty in today’s climate crisis.
Hulhumale’, 26 August 2026
Save Maldives Campaign (SMC) joined surfer, ocean defender and environmental lawyer Uz. Hassan Zaki and Maldives body-boarding icon Saazu on 26 August 2026 to connect and engage with aspiring young ocean defenders. The event, which was organised by Hassan in collaboration with Saazu brought together young people for a conversation about their natural environment, biodiversity and the ocean that sustains us. Young people also took great joy in learning to craft traditional toys with coconut palm fronds, under the expert guidance of Captain Shaaheen.
At this event, Hassan briefed the participants on the existing legal foundations to protect the environment in the Maldives. Humay from SMC guided the conversation through a screening of the documentary, “Himaayathuge Himaayathugaa” about the Maldives’ endangered shark sanctuary status and the direct policy threats to endangered deep sea Gulper Sharks in the country.
Surf enthusiasts among the participants also had the opportunity to take a surf lesson, led by Hassan.
Laamu Gan, 8 & 9 September 2026
Save Maldives Campaign joined Hassan’s event in Laamu Atoll Gan in September where an introductory surf camp was organised by Hassan for young people in the Gan-Fonadhoo region. Participants received an introductory theory lesson on surfing which prepared them for the practical sessions that followed the day after. The event was a novel activity for the majority of participants who had not had the opportunity to experience the surf with a real surf board.
The event involved a screening of Save Maldives Campaign’s documentary “Gellun” which provided new information to the young participants about the ongoing threats to the natural environment and ocean ecosystems of the Maldives. Participants were also introduced to some key information about the legal protections provided by national laws to protect and conserve the natural environment of the Maldives.
