Turquoise waters, colorful schools of fish, and vibrant coral gardens—this is how many imagine paradise. But this paradise is under threat. Local stressors and climate change are increasingly impacting the reefs of the Maldives.
Together with the partner The Oceancy and the ananea Diamonds Athuruga Resort, the DERTOUR Foundation supports a project in the South Ari Atoll that brings hope and people together: “Coral Connection.” Visible just below the water’s surface, floating coral gardens are being created along the main reef – rope nurseries where hundreds of young corals grow under controlled conditions for 9 to 12 months. These corals are later transplanted to damaged sections of the
Instead of just relaxing on the white sandy beaches, resort guests can actively participate in reef restoration. Equipped with mask and snorkel, they not only witness the beauty of the underwater world but also see how it is gradually being restored.
The special aspect: guests are not mere observers—they are active participants. They can join dives, snorkeling tours, and engaging workshops.
In the resort’s marine lab, it gets even more hands-on. Here, participants learn the technique of microfragmentation, an innovative method to accelerate coral growth. Guided by marine biologists, guests cut small coral fragments, attach them to prepared substrates, and actively prepare them for replanting in the ocean.
Instead of just relaxing on the white sandy beaches, resort guests can actively participate in reef restoration. Equipped with mask and snorkel, they not only witness the beauty of the underwater world but also see how it is gradually being restored.
The special aspect: guests are not mere observers—they are active participants. They can join dives, snorkeling tours, and engaging workshops.
In the resort’s marine lab, it gets even more hands-on. Here, participants learn the technique of microfragmentation, an innovative method to accelerate coral growth. Guided by marine biologists, guests cut small coral fragments, attach them to prepared substrates, and actively prepare them for replanting in the ocean.
“Coral Connection” is not just for travelers. A key focus is the involvement of the local community. On the neighboring island of Velidhoo, the project team works with young people, offering training, materials, and even scholarships. The goal is to empower local youth to actively protect their environment—with knowledge, practical skills, and real opportunities.
This connection between guests and locals creates something unique: shared learning, shared action, and a growing appreciation for nature that bonds everyone involved.
“Coral Connection” is not just for travelers. A key focus is the involvement of the local community. On the neighboring island of Velidhoo, the project team works with young people, offering training, materials, and even scholarships. The goal is to empower local youth to actively protect their environment—with knowledge, practical skills, and real opportunities.
This connection between guests and locals creates something unique: shared learning, shared action, and a growing appreciation for nature that bonds everyone involved.
The impact doesn’t end when guests depart. The team focuses on communication: progress is shared via social media, video documentaries, resort presentations, and on-site discussions. Guests who participate receive updates on the growth of the corals they helped plant—creating a meaningful, lasting connection.
“Coral Connection” is more than an environmental project: it’s an invitation to take part, an immersive experience, and a meaningful travel experience that continues to resonate. Guests leave not only with beautiful memories but also with a renewed awareness of the wonders beneath the ocean surface.
You can find out more about our cooperation partner,
The Oceancy, on project partners.
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