As part of the resort’s Sun Siyam Cares program, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is pleased to announce the start of its Coral Restoration Project. This project, led by Mohamed Shah, the resort’s recently hired marine biologist, intends to revitalize and restore the island’s coral reefs, which are crucial habitats that sustain the abundant marine species that envelops this pristine island. The resort confirms its dedication to environmental stewardship and the preservation of the distinctive marine ecosystems of the Maldives through this sustainable endeavor.
The ‘corals of opportunity’—naturally fractured coral bits that are meticulously gathered, tended to, and ultimately transplanted—will be used in the Coral Restoration Project. These pieces will be affixed to specially made frames and displayed in the Nemo Garden, the resort’s colorful lagoon reef. Before being moved onto sections of the reef that have experienced bleaching or deterioration, the corals are given a safe space to grow and become more resilient over time.
By restoring coral species that are essential to the reef ecosystem, this technique not only expedites the natural recovery process but also enhances biodiversity. The initiative intends to provide a robust ecosystem that can endure environmental stressors and provide sanctuary to innumerable marine species by cultivating a stronger reef system. Such initiatives are crucial to maintaining the ocean ecosystems’ long-term health and bolstering the Maldives’ dedication to sustainable tourism and marine conservation.
Mohamed Shah, Sun Siyam Iru Fushi’s resident marine biologist, is spearheading this effort. Shah, a native of the southern Maldives’ Laamu Atoll, has devoted his professional life to marine conservation, specializing in sea turtle biology and coral regeneration. Over the course of two years, he successfully started and expanded the resort’s coral restoration project while working as a marine biologist at OBLU Sangeli. Shah recently gained a great deal of experience in sea turtle research while working as a sea turtle biologist with the Olive Ridley Project (ORP) at JOALI BEING. Under the direction of ORP’s veterinary staff, he also managed a specialized sea turtle rehabilitation center where he provided long-term treatment for sea turtle patients.
