Rasfari reef coral propagation commences

The coral propagation program aimed at revitalizing the damages to Malé atoll Rasfari lagoon has officially commenced.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on Sunday, November 5, that the project titled "Restore Rasfari" kicked off on Friday, November 3.

Although the initiative was officially launched on Friday, propagation works had already commenced earlier.

A special ceremony was held on Sunday aboard 'Thimaaveshi,' the research vessel of EPA, to mark the commencement of the initiative. Minister of Environment, Aminath Shauna, and EPA Director General, Ibrahim Naeem, had participated in the event.

Officers of the ministry along with staff of Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), MNDF Coastguard, and Utility Regulatory Authority attended the event as well.

In addition, staff from the initiative's collaborators, including Dhiraagu, Maldives Airports Company Limited (MACL), and Landscaping Solutions, were present at the event.

Rasfari beach, which was protected by the government in 1995 sustained massive damages when a Panama-registered vessel called 'Navio Amareelis' capsized on the reef. The vessel was en-route to South Africa embarking from Tuticorin, India.

The impact assessment of the capsizing revealed damages to an area of 8,867 square meters of the reef. In addition to reef damage, the capsizing also adversely impacted the area's biodiversity.

The vessel's owner funded the restoration project, making it the first initiative where an international culpable party has funded for the restoration efforts.

During its trip, the vessel's engine died, after which it was adrift before capsizing on the reef. The vessel measures 623 feet in length.

The vessel was righted 10 days after capsizing with the assistance of tugs brought in from abroad.

Following the EPA survey, the agency ordered the vessel's owner to pay a fine of MVR 893 million, which includes compensation for reef damages and the vessel's fine.

The amount was later reduced by the EPA, resulting in a fine of MVR 100 million along with compensation of MVR 154 million, which were collected by the state.

This marks the highest fine ever received by the state under the Environment Protection and Preservation Act. It also signifies the first instance where the state has received funds with the specific purpose of repairing environmental damage.