Zoona Naseem, co-founder and owner of "Moodhu Bulhaa Dive
Centre" which is located in Villingili, Male atoll, has won a prestigious
international award.
The Ocean Awards, an initiative started by the BOAT International
and Blue Marine Foundation, recognizes an individual or a group that has had
the most positive impact on the environment within their community. This is
the fourth consecutive year that this is being held for.
Even though there were many other nominations other than
herself from all over the world, Maldivian Diver Zoona won the Local Hero
Award which, according to BOAT International, recognizes a leader on marine
conversation issues within their community.
In her career, Zoona has lodged more than 12,000 dives and
has taught 11,000 individuals to dive. 400 out of these 11,000 individuals are
Maldivian women.
After receiving the National Award of Recognition in the
area of Diving in the year 2018, Zoona became a marine ambassador and an
advocate for the environment.
She campaigns for the conservation of the oceans and also
for Maldivian women to learn how to dive, so that they better understand what
is at stake, as well as to pass on the knowledge to their children.
IN addition to this, Zoona has also assisted in the
development process of a government scheme, Farukoe, which translates to Reef
Child, where children in the Maldives are able to experience what its like
snorkeling in the coral reefs of their home.
Zoona was the first ever Maldivian woman to be qualified as
a PADI instructor.
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