An Unforgettable Atlantis-Themed Coral Tree Plantation at OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

Corals of the Future planted by guests in a unique festive event that hopes to regenerate and enrich Maadhoo Island’s ecosystem

A celebration is joyful, but it becomes truly timeless if it gives something back to nature. At OZEN LIFE MAADHOO there was a similar unique event where guests engaged in an unforgettable coral planting activity.

Resident Marine Biologist Oshin Joanna Christopher organized the Coral Tree Plantation event, where guests connected with nature and increased their ecological footprint. The event took place on 7 January 2022, on Orthodox Christmas Day, at the Watersports Centre Beach as a part of the festive celebrations. Kids and adults got together to plant baby corals with the hope that they grow into resilient reefs for the future – making for an inspiring start to the year.

Guests attached coral pieces to a metal tree frame built from recycled material. After which, the diving team submerged the tree at the coral nursery behind M6m underwater restaurant. Music and festivities added to the lively atmosphere. All participants received a special certificate to mark the event.

“We are deeply committed to the coral restoration program. It is not just the marine conservation efforts. We also incorporate sustainable practices into all operations, ranging from procurement to solar energy. OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is also certified by Green Globe, an international standard for sustainable tourism.”

Henar Gil Rios, the General Manager of OZEN LIFE MAADHOO

For the restoration project, the team collected ‘corals of opportunity.’ Loose coral fragments turned over by big fish often drift onto the beach or to spots where they cannot grow any longer. These fragments are rescued and used for coral regeneration. Typically, they belong to Acropora, Porites and Pocillopora species – which are resistant to warming ocean temperatures.

Oshin Christopher has a futuristic vision – of regenerating the coral reef by growing ‘corals of the future.’ These corals will be able to fight the challenges of global warming.

The team selects suitable spots in the lagoon where corals can thrive. Oshin says, “Our nurseries have ‘super corals’ and ‘reef-building corals’ that have withstood the bleaching events of 2016 naturally. We are using their resilient genetics to grow more resilient corals. Soon, we will add a concrete block reef near the spa beach to create a refuge for local fish species. Eventually, the fish will accept these blocks to be a part of the reef’s.”

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO is a tranquil palm-painted oasis of elegance set in the exotic turquoise hues of South Malé Atoll. Dotted with 94 gracefully designed

villas and one exclusive Residence, the resort offers inspiring experiences and a lively island lifestyle. All the elements of an unsurpassed holiday, from underwater dining at M6m to exhilarating ocean excursions, combine to form an idyllic Maldives stay.

About THE OZEN COLLECTION:

THE OZEN COLLECTION creates timeless sanctuaries that exude tranquillity and inspiration. An abundance of sophisticated experiences seamlessly blended with a grand sense of space and design, tailored wellness journeys and an enriching culture set apart the brand’s two resorts in the Maldives.

OZEN LIFE MAADHOO, the first resort under this brand, opened in July 2016. THE OZEN COLLECTION’s success story continues in the Maldives with the addition of OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI, launched in December 2020. OZEN SECLUDED TANGALLE takes the brand to the south coast of Sri Lanka and is scheduled to be launched in 2023. Websites: OZEN LIFE MAADHOO / OZEN RESERVE BOLIFUSHI