Soneva's coral school

The largest project of its kind is being built in the Maldives

Together with the Swiss environmental organization Coralive and ARK2030, a global ecosystem restoration organization, Soneva is founding one of the largest coral nurseries in the world. The aim is to restore coral reef systems and create a coral center in the Maldives.

Luxurious sustainability

Rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, El Niño and marine pollution: the fragile coral reef ecosystem is exposed to many threats. They are among the most species-rich ecosystems on earth. Coral reefs are home to a quarter of all marine life. Reef systems are also important for humans. They protect islands and coasts from the surf, storms and erosion. Around half a billion people worldwide also earn their living in connection with reef systems. More than half of the world's corals are now dead. The future prospects are bleak. If no countermeasures are taken, scientists predict that up to 90 percent of all reefs will be lost in the next 20 years. Provided no countermeasures are taken.

Soneva, known for its luxurious and sustainable resorts surrounded by stunning natural scenery, has launched an ambitious program. The Soneva Foundation, Coralive and Ark2030 want to make a decisive contribution to the restoration of coral habitats. A large-scale in-situ restoration program on Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll not only restores corals, but also aims to strengthen the resilience of the marine ecosystem. The long-term goal is to become a center for coral restoration for the Maldives and beyond. Following a two-year study to determine which methods are best suited for restoration, the world's largest coral nursery is being built on around one hectare of ocean.

Travel that makes a difference

It should reproduce 50,000 coral fragments a year. The reef should look like it did 25 years ago. In concrete terms, this means that 40 hectares of planted corals will be added to the reef over the next few years. "Our goal is to plant one hectare of coral at each resort every year. This is the scale required to have a significant impact and it represents a great opportunity for the Maldives to become a global pioneer in this area," explains Sonu Shivdasani, CEO and co-founder of Soneva.

In the first phase of the project, 432 table structures will be installed in three groups in the water. Coral fragments will be placed on them in phase two. In the third phase, coral health will be ensured through monitoring and maintenance. Soneva Fushi guests will have the opportunity to participate in the restoration work in phases two and three.

Further information: www.soneva.com