Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has partnered with Reefscapers, a leading marine conservation organization, to relocate five tons of endangered corals to a new, protected habitat within the resort. The relocation began on February 19, 2025, with the team moving 800 coral colonies from Ras Malé (also known as the Maldives Eco City) to the resort’s dedicated coral restoration site. The threat of land reclamation, therefore, prompted the immediate need for this relocation to protect the corals. Recognizing coral reefs’ crucial role in biodiversity and coastal protection, Sheraton Maldives and Reefscapers swiftly took action to relocate these coral colonies to a safer environment.

Coordinating the Relocation to Preserve Coral Ecosystems

The team carefully planned the relocation process to minimize stress on the delicate corals. They transported large colonies, some weighing several hundred kilograms, aboard a specialized vessel with a system designed to regulate water flow, ensuring that the corals remained undisturbed. Additionally, they placed smaller colonies in submerged floating cages to reduce stress during transport. The team carefully planned and executed the six-hour journey to Sheraton Maldives, ensuring the corals’ safe arrival. During the journey, small fish took refuge among the corals, further emphasizing the relocation’s importance for broader marine life in the area. These fish adapted quickly to their new environment after reaching the resort, demonstrating the success of the relocation.

Creating a Thriving Marine Habitat

Once the team delivered the corals to the resort, marine biologists and expert divers carefully positioned and secured them in their new habitat. As a result, the relocation is already yielding positive results, with the corals beginning to transform the area into a thriving reef ecosystem. Just days after the relocation, various marine species, including fish, eagle rays, and sharks, began to explore the newly restored area. This early success signals the positive impact of the relocation as the surrounding ecosystem flourishes. The Reefscapers team continues to monitor the site, ensuring that each coral stays securely anchored within the resort’s coral pyramid structures. Proper placement plays a key role in the long-term survival and growth of the corals.

A Long-Term Commitment to Coral Protection

This initiative, therefore, plays a critical role in Sheraton Maldives’ broader conservation efforts to preserve the fragile coral ecosystems of the Maldives. It contributes to global research on coral resilience and reproduction, offering valuable data to help protect reefs from climate change’s ongoing challenges. Moreover, the project supports the resort’s strategy to maintain a healthy marine environment in the long term.

Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, and Thomas Le Berre, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Reefscapers, lead the project. Their combined expertise and dedication ensured the success of this complex mission. Greg Allan emphasized the significance of coral conservation:

“Coral reefs are the heart of the Maldives, and protecting them is not just an option—it’s a responsibility. Through our partnership with Reefscapers, we are preserving these delicate ecosystems and inspiring global awareness and action. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to sustainable tourism and environmental stewardship.”

Engaging Guests in the Restoration Effort

The resort integrated the relocated endangered corals into its expanding reef system, supported by Sheraton Maldives’ Adopt a Coral program. Launched in 2020, the program allows guests to actively participate in coral restoration by adopting corals attached to numbered frames. By the end of 2024, the team had planted over 700 coral frames, creating a thriving ecosystem populated by blacktip reef sharks, nurse sharks, stingrays, and a variety of tropical fish.

With the addition of these new coral colonies, guests can now explore an even more diverse marine environment. The enhanced coral ecosystem will provide a vibrant and immersive snorkeling experience, allowing guests to witness firsthand the positive effects of sustainable conservation efforts. This addition will further enhance guests’ underwater experiences, create lasting memories, and encourage greater engagement in marine conservation.

Ensuring a Sustainable Future for the Marine Ecosystem

Finally, the coral relocation project represents a key component of Sheraton Maldives’ sustainability strategy, which aligns with Marriott International’s Serve 360 commitment to responsible business practices. By collaborating with marine biologists and conservationists, Sheraton Maldives is helping to create a lasting impact on marine conservation. The resort also works to educate guests about the importance of protecting the Maldives’ fragile coral ecosystems, raising awareness of sustainable practices in tourism.

To learn more about the Adopt a Coral program and how guests can contribute to coral restoration efforts in the Maldives, visit www.sheratonmaldives.com.