Dhiraagu has partnered with Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives (Soneva CSM) to support a community-led coral reef restoration programme in Dharavandhoo, Baa Atoll.
The Dhirun Community Coral Regeneration Programme will be implemented in collaboration with local NGO Muraka Farm and the Dharavandhoo community, combining Soneva CSM’s technical and scientific expertise with local participation and capacity building.
The programme will train 10 to 15 community members in coral restoration and monitoring and establish a community coral nursery with about 30 to 50 nursery structures.
It will also support coral propagation and out planting, engage young people through training and awareness activities, and strengthen the long-term stewardship and resilience of Dharavandhoo’s coral reefs.
Dharavandhoo is located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and near Hanifaru Bay. Its coral reefs are important to the island’s tourism, fisheries and livelihoods.
Training and community engagement activities will be held ahead of coral restoration activities and a community festival in Dharavandhoo later this year.
Speaking at the partnership event, Dhiraagu Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility Bishaara Hameed said the initiative would build local knowledge and skills to support sustainable coral restoration.
“What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is its community-led approach, which builds local knowledge and skills to support sustainable coral restoration and long-term stewardship,” Hameed said.
Soneva CSM Director of Operations Johanna Leonhardt said the programme was intended to ensure that knowledge, skills and ownership of coral restoration remained within the community.
“Dhirun is therefore focused on building practical local capacity so that coral restoration, monitoring and stewardship can increasingly be led and sustained from Dharavandhoo itself,” she said.
Soneva CSM is a Maldivian-registered NGO working on coral reef regeneration, marine research, conservation and community stewardship.
Environmental protection and ocean conservation are among Dhiraagu’s corporate social responsibility priorities, with the company saying it remains committed to supporting initiatives that protect the environment, empower communities and strengthen environmental resilience across Maldives.
