Environmental Sustainability - Coral Conservation Project South Ari Atoll Hotel

The Maldives are a unique and extremely charming place, in particular because of one of the main protagonists of its ocean, the coral. Did you know that corals are actually little animals (polyps), that live in a kind of friendship (symbiosis) with a very small plant (algae) and that produce a tough skeleton which eventually forms the basis of today’s coral reefs? Without the centuries of hard work by these little corals, our resort guests would not be able to enjoy the incredible beauty and diversity of our coral reef. But just like most corals around the world, our beautiful paradise is under imminent threat and needs active protection. 

Recognising the critical importance of healthy reefs for an ocean full of life, Diamonds Resorts have taken action early on and launched the first Coral Conservation Project back in 2015. The project’s main objectives are to preserve coral reefs by encouraging responsible tourism, while actively protecting and regrowing corals around our resort. In 2018, a full-time researcher was employed to asses and scale-up coral restoration efforts at Diamonds Athuruga.

Today, we are proud to host our latest coral conservation project, Coral Connection, which is taking our efforts to the next level thanks to the support of our partners DERTOUR Foundation and The Oceancy.

 “Coral Connection” is all about how caring for our coral reefs can create deep connections and authentic experiences for people. Engaging in coral conservation and restoration can not only reconnect resort guests and local people to this magnificent environment, it can also create new relationships and unite people. The challenges coral reefs are facing are vast and we only have a chance of reaching our ambiguous goals if we connect and collaborate.  

So how does it work in practice? The marine team is applying a wide toolset of coral restoration techniques at scale. We grow corals in underwater rope nurseries, use microfragmentation and aquaculture husbandry along with other tools to revive critical areas of the reef that are important for island protection and that can be visited by snorkelers and divers. You can also join us for one of our dedicated workshops and get some hands-on experience in the latest coral restoration techniques.

We are likewise committed to connecting local communities to their natural treasures underneath the sea, which is key to sustaining coral conservation into the future. By visiting local islands for dedicated workshops with schools and youth groups, as well as inviting local restoration enthusiasts to our resort, we hope to empower and inspire young Maldivians through knowledge, training and experiences.