Finolhu, A Seaside Collection Resort, has completed a remarkable four-day coral transplantation initiative, reaffirming its dedication to protecting the Maldives’ fragile marine ecosystems. Guided by the resort’s resident marine biologist, Ivanna Tobar, the project successfully replanted nearly 2,000 coral colonies from Finolhu’s nurseries onto its vibrant house reef—strengthening one of the nation’s most vital natural habitats.
A Spirit of Collaboration
What made this initiative truly unique was the teamwork across neighboring resorts. Four marine biologists—Philippa Darby-shire Jenkins (Joali Being), Rosalie Bailie (Coco Palm), Harry Longin (Westin), and Louna Marchand (Dusit Thani)—joined forces with Finolhu’s marine team. Together, they carried out hands-on dives, equipment preparation, reef health assessments, and the removal of invasive pincushion sea stars.
“This project was about more than restoring coral,” shared Ivanna Tobar. “It was an opportunity to foster collaboration between resorts, share knowledge, and take a leadership role in marine conservation. Healthy reefs are essential for biodiversity, the wellbeing of local communities, and sustainable tourism. By working together, we made a measurable difference.”
Why Coral Matters in the Maldives
The Maldives’ reefs are more than breathtaking natural wonders—they are critical lifelines. They protect islands from erosion, support fisheries that sustain local communities, and form the foundation of the nation’s thriving tourism industry. Yet, climate change, pollution, and human impact have placed these delicate ecosystems under severe stress, making restoration initiatives like Finolhu’s indispensable.
A Holistic Approach to Reef Care
The four-day program was designed to blend action with education. Morning dive briefings prepared the team for daily restoration dives, while afternoon workshops focused on reef monitoring and equipment readiness. This thoughtful structure ensured both immediate ecological impact and long-term knowledge sharing among the marine experts.
Finolhu’s Ongoing Commitment
Finolhu’s dedication to conservation extends well beyond this event. The resort maintains a coral nursery, actively monitors reef health, and implements sustainable marine practices to protect its house reef for future generations. Guests are also encouraged to be part of the solution through the Coral Conservation Package, which combines immersive learning experiences with hands-on support for reef restoration projects.
With efforts like these, Finolhu not only enhances the resilience of its reefs but also demonstrates how sustainable tourism and marine conservation can go hand in hand in the Maldives.
