Coral Restoration in the Maldives

Cora Cora Maldives has launched an ambitious 5-year coral restoration project. This initiative unites the resort community, including guests, Freedom Fighters, partners, and our Heads of Department. General Manager Justin Swart and Managing Director Martin van der Reijden lead by example. With support from Mars Global and other partners, we are transforming our reefs. Our efforts contribute to the Maldives becoming the second-largest coral restoration site for Mars Global, right after Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

This multi-year project stems from a simple belief: extraordinary things happen when a community unites. From young guests tying coral fragments to Freedom Fighters dedicating time in the water, everyone at Cora Cora Maldives plays a vital role. Together, we share the mission to protect our oceans and create a vibrant underwater world.

Bringing the Vision to Life

The success of our project relies on a multi-disciplinary approach. Mars Global trained our diving center team and sustainability manager in the SER-Certified Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System. We are deploying reef stars with coral fragments across two key reef sites. These stars act as a foundation, promoting coral growth and increasing marine biodiversity.

But we won’t stop there. Our coral restoration journey includes multiple advanced techniques to scale up restoration and create resilient reefs. Alongside reef stars, we’ll use rope nurseries to nurture coral fragments until they’re strong enough for outplanting. This is complemented by direct outplanting using coral clips and Ocean Quest’s methodology, allowing corals to quickly anchor to the reef and develop new habitats for marine life.

In the next phase, we’ll introduce microfragmentation through the “Plant a Million Corals” initiative. This method involves breaking healthy coral colonies into tiny fragments. This triggers rapid growth in a controlled, nurturing environment. Once the coral fragments reach the desired size, they’re transplanted onto damaged reefs. This significantly speeds up reef recovery and increases surface area for marine life.

A Center of Excellence in Coral Restoration

Our success stems from the training and certification we’ve received from Mars Global. Our diving center team and sustainability manager are now certified in the SER-Certified Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System. Diving Center Manager Marcus Goh and Marine Biologist Giulia Morello are now certified trainers. They pass on their knowledge to our team, local islands, and other resorts.

Giulia Morello also took specialized training in Malaysia on Ocean Quest’s direct outplanting methodology. Equipped with these advanced skills, Giulia and the team now employ a range of restoration techniques. This ensures our reefs not only survive but thrive. Cora Cora Maldives aspires to become a Center of Excellence in coral restoration and marine conservation.

This knowledge is not confined to our island’s boundaries. We are working with Save the Beach Maldives to train local island communities and encourage neighboring resorts to adopt necessary restoration skills. By empowering others, we’re creating a ripple effect that extends beyond Cora Cora Maldives, inspiring conservation efforts throughout the Maldives.

Management leading by example

Our Managing Director, Martin van der Reijden, General Manager, Justin Swart, and our Heads of Department lead by example. They actively participate in restoration activities with guests, partners, and Freedom Fighters. From producing reef stars and coating them with sand to collecting and tying coral fragments, they are deeply involved in every step. Justin Swart even joined the diving and snorkeling efforts to place and anchor the reef stars. This hands-on approach has inspired everyone at Cora Cora Maldives to become ocean advocates. They know their collective efforts are directly restoring these precious ecosystems.

This is not a short-term endeavor. Our coral restoration project is a five-year commitment that uses advanced techniques to boost reef diversity and resilience. We’re building a rich, diverse coral ecosystem to help our reefs withstand climate change and environmental stressors. This project demonstrates that large-scale coral restoration is not only possible but offers hope for marine conservation worldwide.

Restoring Reefs, one fragment at a time

At Cora Cora Maldives, every guest can contribute to a cause with lasting impact. Whether tying a coral fragment, adopting a reef star, or learning about marine life through our “Walk with our Marine Biologist” program, every action matters. Together with our Freedom Fighters, guests, and partners, we are building a community of ocean advocates. We’re committed to preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.

Our project demonstrates what’s possible when a community unites. By harnessing the strengths of partners, innovative methods, and collective will, we aim to set a new standard in coral restoration. With dedication, knowledge, and collaboration, vibrant and resilient reefs are within reach.