Project Asisstant, Maldives
Though Dan Nashid grew up in the Maldives, he did not have a natural affinity towards the ocean as a child. This changed rapidly when he met four very important turtles: Leonardo, Donatello, Rafael, and Michaelangelo. Unfortunately, his innermost wish to grow up to become a turtle was not to be, so he settled for the next best thing – working for sea turtles.
Dan started off his career with the Four Seasons, where he gained his diploma in marine biology whilst working with injured sea turtles in the turtle rehabilitation centre. In addition to his work with sea turtles, Dan has also led several marine talks, presentations, and workshops. He has additional background in civil society, having been involved with other NGOs like Save the Beach Maldives, and Dhi Youth Movement (DYM). Dan has also served as a certified facilitator for the United Nations.
In 2013, Dan founded and ran a volunteer-led weekly beach cleanup project known as Damage Control, which focused on cleaning up the main beaches and swimming areas in the Greater Malé area. Additionally, Dan is an accomplished diver, and has worked as a Master Scuba Diver Trainer.
Although he didn’t grow up to be a turtle, Dan now works for their conservation, as the Project Assistant at Olive Ridley Project. His responsibilities include assisting the ORP Project Manager for Maldives in executing operational and administrative tasks, educational outreach, coordination of activities to streamline operations, and liaising with other entities like NGOs, communities, guest houses and dives centres to build local and national involvement in sea turtle conservation.
