Moodhu Fest 2026 Launched to Promote Marine Conservation and Cultural Heritage

The Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources, in partnership with the Housing Development Corporation (HDC), has launched 'Moodhu Fest 2026' to commemorate World Oceans Day. The festival aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of preserving the marine environment, which serves as the backbone of the Maldivian way of life. Inaugurating the event, Minister of Fisheries, Agriculture and Ocean Resources Ahmed Shiyam highlighted the intrinsic link between the ocean and the nation's identity. He emphasized that the responsibility for safeguarding marine resources rests with every citizen to ensure these assets remain available for future generations. "The ocean is a resource upon which our culture, traditions and livelihoods depend," Minister Shiyam stated. "Therefore, it is everyone's responsibility to protect and preserve this resource and pass it on sustainably." Speaking with PSM News, State Minister Aminath Hussain Shareef detailed the festival's two-phase structure. The first session is dedicated to youth engagement, featuring a 'Discover Dive' programme designed to help children experience the beauty of the underwater world firsthand. This session also includes a coral planting activity, encouraging active participation in reef restoration. The second session, running from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, shifts toward community recreation with a variety of water sports and promotional stalls. Moodhu Fest is part of a broader series of initiatives organized by the Fisheries Ministry to mark World Oceans Day. These celebrations also included a nationwide reef fishing competition held on June 19, bridging traditional Maldivian practices with modern conservation efforts.