Coral reefs, while setting the stage for an amazing exploration opportunity for divers and snorkelling enthusiasts, are in need of protection and preservation. Reefs, while protecting the pristine beaches of the thousand plus islands of Maldives, are susceptible to damage due to sudden changes in the environment and weather.
In Maldives, coral reef exploration is a popular activity among tourists. In order to preserve these natural wonders and to also ensure their sustainability for future generations, Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas launched a Coral Adoption Program.
The resort is located on the island of Kihavah Huravalhi on the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO declared Biosphere Reserve and home to some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. In fact, the premier feature itself is these reefs and the resort’s goal, since inception, was to highlight and protect these marine ecosystems.
The Coral Adoption Program has been protecting and ensuring longevity of these reefs as they protect the flawless beaches of the island and also its clear lagoon. The reefs and the ecosystem around them are home to a wide range of tropical fish, crustaceans and mollusks.
With the ambitious objective of protecting this delicate ecosystem, sustainable practices were ingrained into the resort from the commencement of construction. The resident marine biologist was at hand nurturing small corals and creating gardens around the reef. This was done by attaching the growing corals on to iron frames in the Over-Water Pool Villas. These environmentally friendly frames are designed to facilitate water flow along with the necessary nutrients and are covered in sand, thus setting the stage for faster regeneration of corals.
Guests are also welcome to partake in this Program by adopting a coral frame at a fee. With the aid of the marine biologist, you get to transplant your own coral in the lagoon and also monitor its growth online. In addition to the program, Anantara Kihavah also gives preference to recyclable and reusable goods to minimise waste. The resort also bottles its own water.
Shehera Fioni is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Catalina Forbes. Her content is based on many thrilling escapades offered to travellers across the world.