Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa has marked the sixth anniversary of its partnership with marine conservation organisation Reefscapers on 19 February 2026, reaffirming its continued dedication to safeguarding and restoring the Maldives’ fragile coral reef ecosystems. Since the collaboration began in 2020, the resort and Reefscapers have worked closely to restore coral habitats, strengthen marine biodiversity, and create meaningful opportunities for guests to engage with environmental conservation. The anniversary also coincides with one year since the successful relocation of approximately five tons of coral to the resort’s house reefs, a significant conservation initiative that has further strengthened reef restoration efforts surrounding the island.
Over the past six years, the partnership has evolved into a central component of the resort’s sustainability initiatives, combining scientific reef restoration with educational experiences for guests. Through structured coral propagation, reef monitoring, and awareness programmes, the project has contributed to the planting of 898 coral frames, supporting the growth of approximately 33,000 coral colonies across designated restoration sites. These growing coral structures play a vital role in regenerating reef habitats that sustain marine life while also protecting shorelines from environmental pressures. The initiative reflects a long-term commitment to preserving the Maldives’ renowned underwater environment, widely regarded as one of the most remarkable marine ecosystems in the world.
According to Katelyn, the resort’s Marine Biologist, the success of the project highlights the value of sustained conservation efforts and community involvement. She noted that observing the relocated corals adapt, survive, and grow over the past year has been an encouraging development for both the marine research team and returning guests who are able to witness the progress of the reef restoration initiatives they supported during previous visits.
Among the key conservation activities undertaken during the partnership is the coral relocation project, which carefully transferred coral colonies from Ras Malé, widely known as the Maldives Eco City, to a dedicated restoration site within the resort’s surrounding reefs. The relocation was undertaken to safeguard the coral colonies from potential environmental pressures associated with land reclamation activities in the Fushi Dhiggaru Lagoon. One year after the relocation, the transplanted corals continue to grow successfully beneath the waters surrounding the resort, contributing to the resilience and long-term health of the reef ecosystem while strengthening the biodiversity of the surrounding marine environment.
An important feature of the conservation partnership is the resort’s Adopt a Coral programme, developed as part of the Good Travel with Marriott Bonvoy initiative. The programme invites guests to participate directly in marine conservation by adopting and naming a coral frame while learning about coral ecology and reef preservation from marine experts. Through this interactive experience, visitors gain insight into the ecological significance of coral reefs and the steps required to protect these delicate habitats for future generations.
To maintain a lasting connection between guests and the reef restoration project, participants receive updates every six months on the growth of their adopted corals. These updates allow visitors to follow the development of the coral colonies they helped establish, creating a lasting environmental connection that extends beyond their stay in the Maldives. As the corals grow and contribute to the regeneration of reef structures, they represent an enduring symbol of environmental responsibility and demonstrate how tourism experiences can positively contribute to the protection of local ecosystems and communities.
Greg Allan, General Manager of Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa, highlighted the importance of integrating sustainability into hospitality operations. He noted that the island is surrounded by an exceptional marine environment and that protecting this natural heritage is a responsibility the resort takes seriously. Allan explained that the collaboration with Reefscapers reflects the resort’s belief that tourism and environmental stewardship should progress together, adding that the visible progress of reef restoration over the past six years, combined with the active involvement of guests and associates, has made the anniversary particularly meaningful.
Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa continues to strengthen its environmental initiatives through its collaboration with Reefscapers, combining marine conservation with educational and immersive experiences for visitors. The partnership reflects a broader commitment within the Maldivian tourism industry to protect the nation’s unique marine ecosystems while offering guests opportunities to engage with nature in ways that promote sustainability, awareness, and long-term environmental preservation.
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