Led by resident marine biologist Hazel Araujo, the coral restoration initiative has expanded steadily since its launch in 2023. As of 2025, the programme supports more than 16,800 coral fragments across four active restoration sites, representing over 13 coral species. Collectively, these frames have contributed to the restoration of more than 70 square metres of reef habitat surrounding the island.
The milestone also reflects the programme’s progression from active restoration to natural regeneration. For the first time, coral colonies grown on the resort’s earliest frames, now approaching three years in age, have reached sufficient maturity to serve as donor colonies. This development allows new coral fragments to be sourced directly from existing frames, strengthening the resilience and self-sufficiency of the restoration programme.
Further validating these efforts, the resort recorded its first coral spawning event during the most recent spawning season. Colonies of Acropora digitifera released gametes from the very first coral frame deployed at the resort, confirming that the cultivated corals have reached full reproductive maturity and are now capable of contributing to natural reef renewal.
Despite the impacts of the 2024 global coral bleaching event, the restoration sites demonstrated strong recovery within one year, maintaining an average coral survival rate of 91 percent. Monitoring data has also shown notable increases in marine life activity, including higher sightings of sharks, rays, octopus and sea turtles, underscoring the role of coral frames in enhancing habitat complexity and ecosystem health.
Each of the 300 coral frames has been supported through adoption by resort guests, online sponsors or resort teams, positioning the programme as a shared conservation effort. Complementary community outreach initiatives have engaged students from neighbouring islands through marine education, workshops and creative conservation projects.
The installation of the 300th coral frame represents a key milestone in The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort’s sustainability journey, reinforcing its commitment to long-term reef protection, scientific monitoring and collaborative environmental stewardship in the Maldives.
Source: visitmaldives.com, retrieved 29 January 2026