A Special Festival to Be Held
Technical Training and Research to Be Conducted
Dhiraagu and Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives have entered into an agreement to support the “Dirun Community Coral Regeneration Programme,” which is scheduled to be carried out in B. Dharavandhoo.
Under the agreement, with technical support and expertise from Soneva CSM, and in collaboration with the Dharavandhoo-based civil society organisation Muraka Farm, the programme will work to restore and regenerate the coral reefs surrounding Dharavandhoo. As part of the initiative, students, business representatives interested in the field, and members of the wider community will receive training in coral restoration techniques, with a focus on modern research and science.
The reefs around Dharavandhoo, which is part of the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and located near Hanifaru Bay, are an important resource for the island’s tourism and fisheries sectors, as well as for the livelihoods of its residents. Under the programme, practical training in coral restoration and reef conservation will be provided to young people in Dharavandhoo. In addition, a community coral nursery incorporating between 30 and 50 nursery structures will be established.
The programme will also support coral planting and restoration activities, conduct specialised training and awareness programmes for young people, and encourage community participation in efforts to regenerate the island’s coral reefs. Dhiraagu said that following the training and awareness activities, a special festival is also planned to be held in Dharavandhoo towards the end of this year alongside practical coral restoration activities.
Speaking about the initiative, Dhiraagu Senior Manager for Corporate Social Responsibility Bishara Hameed said partnering with Soneva CSM on this important programme, which is being carried out in collaboration with Muraka Farm and the Dharavandhoo community, is a great source of happiness.
He said the programme is particularly important because it is designed to be sustained through community leadership and full participation. Through the initiative, communities will gain the skills and knowledge needed to restore coral reefs and protect marine ecosystems, while helping to safeguard the environment for future generations.
Soneva Conservation and Sustainability Maldives Director of Operations Dr. Johanna Leonhardt said supporting the coral restoration programme being implemented with Dhiraagu, Muraka Farm and the direct participation of the people of Dharavandhoo is a great source of satisfaction.
She said lasting results from such initiatives can only be achieved by building the necessary knowledge and skills within communities. Therefore, she explained that the main objective of the Dirun Programme is to empower the community through practical training and enable coral restoration and reef conservation efforts to continue sustainably under the leadership of the island community.
She expressed hope that the programme would not only bring positive changes to Dharavandhoo’s reefs but could also serve as a model for similar initiatives in other parts of the Maldives.
Soneva CSM is a civil society organisation working to restore coral reefs, conduct marine research, protect the environment and strengthen community responsibility. Its work is based on scientific research and practical coral restoration efforts.
The organisation also places particular emphasis on working with different stakeholders, strengthening education and public awareness, and building capacity within the sector to further strengthen the Maldives’ reef ecosystem and ensure the long-term sustainability of marine life.
Environmental protection and conservation is one of the key areas prioritised by Dhiraagu under its corporate social responsibility initiatives. The company said it will continue to support important efforts aimed at empowering communities and protecting and preserving the environment.
