W Maldives completes successful reef restoration project
Protecting the environment in the Maldives is critical. Rising sea temperatures – as well as other issues – have been causing significant problems with the coral reefs and the sea life in this part of the world. The Sloaney travel team is committed to raising awareness about the environmental problems and helping to promote positive initiatives.
Tourism is very important in the Maldives and many of the luxury resorts have a strong commitment to projects that help the environment. Towards the end of last year and, ahead of the peak visiting season, SEA OF STARS launched. As part of this project, the W Maldives successfully concluded a landmark week of sustainability-driven experiences that brought guests, marine experts and the resort team together in celebration of ocean conservation and creativity.
The W Maldives team, led by the resort’s Sustainability Manager, Harald Schaller, together with MARS Sustainable Solutions, completed the installation of 400 Reef Stars and 6,000 coral fragments across the resort’s house reef. Guests joined the marine biologists in assembling and deploying the hexagonal reef structures, turning collaboration into tangible impact. The two-day reef star creation and installation marked a key milestone in one of the Maldives’ largest coral restoration projects.
With the success of SEA OF STARS, W Maldives is setting its sights even higher. Under the vision of Amila Handunwala, the resort’s General Manager and Chair of the Marriott Maldives Business Council, this activation marks just the beginning of a wider movement to make W Maldives, and eventually, Marriott International properties in the Maldives, a driving force in coral restoration across the archipelago.
The W Maldives team will continue to collaborate with MARS Sustainable Solutions to monitor coral growth and reef resilience in the coming months and years. Guests are also invited to be part of this journey by joining guided house reef snorkeling sessions with the resort’s marine biologist to learn more about the ongoing coral restoration program.
For more information about the W Maldives visit www.wmaldives.com
