About Us

Shaha is the co-founder and Executive Director of Maldives Resilient Reefs, where she has played a pivotal role in the NGO’s success. Since 2016, she has been deeply involved in marine conservation efforts across the Maldives, contributing to the establishment of new protected and conserved areas, promoting sustainable practices in coral reef fisheries and tourism, and actively engaging Maldivians in marine conservation. Shaha holds a Master of Science by Research Degree from the University of Exeter, UK. She is also recognized as an Edinburgh Ocean Leader, highlighting her influence and leadership in marine conservation. Before dedicating her career to marine conservation, she spent eight years with UN Agencies in the Maldives, where she held various project management positions.

Naffath is the Fundraising and Partnerships Manager at Maldives Resilient Reefs, bringing over eight years of experience in strategic communications, programme design, and implementation. Most recently, she worked as a Technical Advisor for the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ABA ROLI), where she played a key role in designing and implementing programmes focused on human rights, civil society strengthening, and justice sector reform. Before this, she spent over five years as a Research Officer at the Maldives President’s Office, where she coordinated media relations and provided strategic communications and research support across two administrations. Naffath holds a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Maldives National University (MNU). She also volunteers with the Maldivian Red Crescent.

Inan is the Project and Finance Manager at Maldives Resilient Reefs, bringing over 15 years of financial management experience in not-for-profits both in the Maldives and internationally. He leads the ‘Laamaseelu Farudhun’ citizen science programme and plays a key role in supporting organizational development. Inan is passionate about environmental conservation, indigenous rights, fair trade, and gender equality, dedicating his expertise to advancing these vital causes.

Aleef holds a BSc in Marine Biology and Coastal Ecology from the University of Plymouth and brings over six years of experience as an environmental consultant in the Maldives. Aleef works on bridging science, policy and practice by supporting practical solutions that balance ecosystem protection with socio-economic priorities. He is committed to cultivating strong partnerships between communities, industry and conservation practitioners to promote responsible ecosystem use and sustainable livelihoods across the Maldives.

Eamaan (Eeko) is the National Coordinator for Protected Areas, based at the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. She holds a BSc in Marine Science from the Maldives National University and brings hands-on expertise in protected area management and stakeholder engagement. Formerly the Conservation Officer for the South Ari Marine Protected Area, she managed the Maldives’ largest MPA and led ranger oversight, capacity building, stakeholder consultations, and development of the management plan. She has also contributed at the policy level by refining guidelines and regulations for protected areas and protected species, and leading outreach on Protected and Conserved Areas. In her current role, she supports the identification, designation, and management of PCAs in the Maldives, in line with the global 30×30 target.

Rafha is the Projects Assistant at Maldives Resilient Reefs, bringing a Bachelor’s degree in Tropical Environmental Biology and extensive hands-on experience in marine conservation across the Maldives. Her previous fieldwork includes white‑tailed tropicbird monitoring, sea turtle rescue and nest monitoring, photographic ID, coral larval and frame restoration, and whale shark research in the South Ari Marine Protected Area. Rafha has also led community engagement and environmental education programmes, delivering marine biology sessions in local schools and advocating for stronger connections between conservation efforts and island communities.

Abby is the Project Assistant based at Six Senses Laamu with the Maldives Underwater Initiative team. Bringing valuable experience in marine conservation and the tourism industry, she leads the “Laamaseelu Masveriyaa” sustainable resort reef fishery programme at Six Senses Laamu and supports research activities conducted in Laamu Atoll. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Zoology and a Master’s Degree in Wildlife Conservation, as well as a Dive Instructor qualification.

Nabeeha plays a crucial role in monitoring tourism use and advancing community education and outreach for the planned Laamu Hithadhoo Community Conserved Area. As a “Laamaseelu Farudhun” citizen scientists, she provides support for MRR’s coral reef and seagrass monitoring projects.

Hassan, also known as ‘Beache’, supports Maldives Resilient Reefs’ projects as a freelance dive instructor and guide. With over 25 years of experience in the Maldivian tourism industry, he is a veteran dive instructor well-versed in the country’s marine ecosystems, particularly in fish diversity and distribution. In the 1990s, he served as a field officer at the Maldives Marine Research Center, where he assisted visiting researchers with various fieldwork, including the tuna-tagging programme.