Made up of all shapes, sizes and colours, corals in Maldives are a vital part of the reef ecosystem; preserving them is vital and is something you can get involved in as well.
Corals Under Threat
While travellers can easily see corals when snorkelling from their over water bungalows in Maldives, many may not know that this marine lifeform is under threat. Due to climate change, water temperatures have risen in the Indian Ocean which has led to what is called coral bleaching that has a catastrophic effect on coral.
Replanting Coral
Replanting coral is a practical conservation effort. Such initiatives are put into practice by properties like Anantara Veli Maldives Resort which give guests a chance to get involved too. Methods include translating broken coral onto a rope which is placed in a coral nursery; once they grow enough, they are planted on the reef.
Getting Involved
If you want to help in such conservation measures, stay at a resort that features a coral reef adoption programme. Through such initiatives, you can get involved in a property’s reef restoration project; depending on the resort, you can help to plant the coral onto a rope and monitor its progress by photo updates or return visits.
Seeing Their Beauty
To truly appreciate the beauty and key role that coral reefs play, look to enjoy snorkelling and diving in Maldives. Be it to a house reef near a resort or sites further afield, such underwater excursions let you get up close to coral; from staghorn, table, brain, leather and finger coral to diverse reef fish there’s much to discover.
