ORP Welcomes New Maldivian Project Coordinator

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Last Updated: February 27, 2018

Thanks to the Body Shop Foundation we are excited to welcome Ibrahim Shameel to the Olive Ridley Project team.

 

Shameel is from the Maldivian capital, Male. Despite the city-boy tag this automatically gives him, he is happiest in the water.

Community outreach officer, Kaia, showing newly appointed project coordinator, Shameel, the ropes at the Katti Hihvaru Festival.
Image credit: Kaia

After deciding on a change of course from an office job in human resources to marine research and conservation in 2013, Shameel has spent the last couple of years researching whale sharks with our friends at the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP). He was a key member in carrying out the in-field research operation, as well as the community initiatives, such as the Maldives Whale Shark Festival.

After spending a year abroad in the UK to complete a foundation year in science, he is looking to complete his undergraduate degree in the next couple of years, either in the Maldives or abroad. In the meantime, he has joined the Olive Ridley Project to work as a ‘Project Coordinator’ as we look to reach out to more fishers and island communities and maintain a consistent presence in the Maldives.