Adopt corals

Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa launches new project

The ecosystem of the Maldives is a fragile one, not only on the islands but also in the water. To promote and protect the reef habitat, the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort has launched several initiatives. One of these is "Adopt a Coral", where guests can take part in planting coral fragments.

Promoting understanding

For a long time now, travelers have not just been interested in having a good vacation. Environmental aspects are becoming an increasingly important motive for travel: "We are seeing that guests are more aware of their personal impact on the environment and the destination they are visiting," says Emilio Fortini, General Manager of the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa. In the Maldives, one of the biggest challenges in this respect is certainly the protection of the coral reefs. The Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has therefore joined 14 other Marriott International hotels in the Asia-Pacific region that are already implementing the "Good Travel with Marriot Bonvoy" program. Its aim is to promote cultural understanding and create positive change. Guests are also given the opportunity to contribute to local communities and the environment during their stay.

At the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort, guests will be able to plant corals with marine biologist Amelie Carraut. This is done by attaching broken pieces of coral to a frame and then placing them underwater. Guests will also learn everything there is to know about the fragile aquatic world and visit coral reefs worthy of protection while snorkeling. The planted corals grow new branches after just six months. Guests can track the growth of "their" corals via a website; each coral is given its own serial number. "Planting corals offers our guests an excellent opportunity to connect with nature and give something back during their stay," says Fortini.

Sheraton is implementing the campaign together with the Maldivian organization Reefscapers. Coral frames with 3,000 fragments have already been sunk into the shallow lagoons around the resort. They are already doing so well that they have been able to lure some fish and ray species back into the lagoon that were thought to have migrated away forever. And the campaign has another positive effect: the frames provide locals in the Baa Atoll with an alternative occupation to fishing. Participation in the Adopt a Coral program can be booked by guests of the resort from 170 US dollars.

Further information & booking: www.sheratonmaldives.com