A visit to the Maldives is incomplete without seeing for yourself the phenomenal display of marine life that happens beneath sea level and that is easily accessible in the Maldives.
The beautiful chain of islands that forms the Maldives is however vulnerable to the erosion that happens daily due to the changes in the sea environment. The coral reefs play a big role in the protection of the islands. However due to careless fishing tactics, negligent behaviour as well as climatic changes the coral reefs are in grave danger of dying a natural death.
Although the reefs look hardy and strong, they are in fact incredibly susceptible and sensitive to changes as they are formed from living micro organisms. For this reason the Anantara hotel chain together with the Aqua Fanatics Club have put together a unique programme that allows all visitors and coral lovers to unite in re-building and protecting the corals that keep the islands of Maldives intact.
Under this programme coral nurseries are in place to grow the corals to an ‘adult’ level under the watchful eyes of marine specialists and then replanted in the sea when they are able to manage on their own. However the coral adoption programme is what anyone can be a part of. This programme involves ‘parent’ sponsors to pay for the upkeep of their own coral. These corals have been nurtured under proper care and supervision and are marked with their parents’ name and planted in the sea on a frame, enabling them to grow. Photographic evidence of their growth and development are sent back to their parents every three months in order to keep an eye on them.
This programme has proven to be popular and many parents’ regularly visit their coral. Accommodation in Maldives during such a visit can easily be arranged at one of the Anantara resorts such as the Anantara Dhigu Maldives. This Maldives resort is actively involved in minimising its carbon footprint and incorporates many green initiatives into its operational structure. Guests therefore can be assured that they too are contributing towards protecting the environment when opting to stay at this resort.
Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.