The Maldives Manta Conservation Programme (MMCP), formerly the Maldivian Manta Ray Project (MMRP), is a Maldives-registered charity focused on the research and conservation of manta rays. Our team is comprised of a diverse group of researchers, scientists, conservationists,educators and media experts; working together to share and promote knowledge and expertise.
The MMCP was founded with the goal of learning more about the life cycle,population dynamics and habitat usage of the Maldives manta ray population, whilst also working with the government, tourists, local communities and tour operators to create greater appreciation and protection for these ocean giants and their habitat and drive conservation at a local level.The MMCP takes a multidisciplinary approach to conservation through community, research, and education:
Our community initiatives foster collaboration with local communities, engaging Maldivians through workshops, citizen science projects, and awareness campaigns to protect manta rays and their marine environment, promoting sustainable conservation efforts as a collective.
As one of the largest and longest standing manta ray research groups in the world, the MMCP employs advanced research techniques and collaborates globally to develop and implement effective conservation strategies grounded in robust scientific evidence.
Our education efforts endeavour to inspire future conservationists by providing schools with interactive learning resources, organising field trips, and conducting educational outreach, fostering a deep connection between young Maldivians and their marine environment.
At the Maldives Manta Conservation Programme, our vision is a sustainable future for Maldivians and their natural resources, where manta rays and their relatives thrive in healthy diverse marine ecosystems.Our mission is to drive the policies and practices necessary to conserve the Maldives’ manta rays, their relatives and habitats through community, research and education.