Growing up in Malé, Maldives, Asha’s formative experiences of fishing and swimming in turquoise waters helped her develop a deep connection with the ocean from an early age. This childhood fascination soon grew into a lifelong passion for understanding, protecting, and sharing the importance of our oceans.
Asha completed her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Management at the Maldives National University, where she explored the relationship between people, environment, and the importance of conservation. She then further immersed herself in the field of marine conservation by volunteering with other NGOs such as Maldives Whale Shark Research (MWSR).
Her journey with the Olive Ridley Project began in 2023 as an intern at the Marine Turtle Rescue Centre in Baa atoll. What started as an opportunity to gain experience quickly became a meaningful chapter in her life, allowing her to witness the dedication, challenges, and impact of sea turtle conservation firsthand. Through her time with ORP, Asha found that her passion went beyond protecting marine and also involved inspiring others to understand their role in conservation.
Asha then joined ORP in July 2026 as the Educator and Volunteer Coordinator for The Maldives. She is currently based at the Sea Turtle Health Institute and works on creating meaningful experiences for volunteers, visitors, and communities engaging with ORP’s conservation work.
She believes that education is one of the most powerful tools in conservation and hopes to inspire more people to become advocates for the ocean and the incredible species that depend on it.
In her free time Asha enjoys spending time with her friends and family outdoors.
