Category: Sustainability

Coral Regeneration Project at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, Maldives

Veligandu has two house reefs, abundant with marine life and blessed with soft corals and resident turtles. The west-facing house reef can be easily reached from the beach, while the north reef is a five-minute boat ride from the island.

With rising ocean temperatures brought about by global warming, coral bleaching is an alarming occurrence in the Maldives and all around the world. Corals play a vital role in the marine ecosystem providing food and habitats for many oceanic life species.

To protect and conserve the island’s reefs, the Veligandu team, in partnership with the Ocean Maldives, continues to enhance its commitment to the environment by launching a pilot project to help regenerate corals and ensure the reefs, aptly named the rainforests of the seas, remain healthy.

There are currently two coral frames installed on Veligadu reef, one of which is shaped like a hammerhead shark to honour Veligandu Hammerhead Shark Point, the Big Blue where guests can dive to see these elusive sharks.

 How Do You Regenerate Corals?

The team collects naturally broken live corals from the sea bed, such as Acropora coral, small polyp stony corals, and other fast-growing species. The coral fragments are then attached to a frame which will act as the artificial reef scaffolding. The pieces need to be monitored during the growth process. Any dead fragments need to be replaced, and the frame structures must be maintained by scrubbing off growing algae.

Corals are delicate marine animals, and different coral species need the correct pressure, water temperature, ocean currents, and water quality to regenerate successfully. The artificial reef frames are placed in similar conditions, such as the underwater environment where the coral fragments are usuually found.

Guests can visit the reef where these coral frames are stationed whilst snorkelling and diving. Veligandu’s hammerhead shaped frame is placed visible for all guests to see from the surface, at about a depth of 5 meters (depending on the water level), on the house reef in front of the Water Sports Centre. Guests who dive can enjoy it more closely while exploring the house reef. The other smaller frames found their happy home on another side of the jetty.

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Sustainable Practices at Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, the Maldives’ Secluded Island

Veligandu Island Resort & Spa, one of the leading sustainably-run resorts in the Maldives, is committed to taking action to make a positive difference to preserve and protect our beautiful yet fragile environment.

We believe that in order to achieve sustainability goals, we have to make our team members, guests, and partners more aware of environmental issues and work closely together in the conservation of natural resources for future generations.

To help conserve the natural beauty surrounding us and reduce our impact on it, we have placed several sustainable practices at our eco-friendly Maldives resort.

Energy Optimization: At Veligandu, we have implemented efficient lighting in all our villas and public areas, with about 97% of light bulbs replaced with energy-saving LED lamps. This has helped the resort achieve a 2% reduction in energy consumption.

Waste Management: Our suppliers’ environmental impact has become a paramount consideration for our purchasing department. We now work with our suppliers to minimise packaging and ensure that it has to be reusable or recyclable whenever packaging is needed. Moreover, we have significantly reduced the use of single-use plastics by completely replacing plastic drinking straws and plastic water bottles with more environmentally-friendly alternatives.

Sustainable Supplies: Our philosophy of ‘ocean to plate’ means that much of our fresh seafood is sourced locally from our neighbouring islands, thus creating revenue for local fishermen and their families. Additionally, we regularly purchase fresh produce from the nearby Thodhoo Island supporting the livelihood of the locals.

Travellife Gold Award: The Travellife Gold Award is given to resorts with a continued commitment to green issues. We are a proud recipient of this prestigious sustainability certification, which is only a testament to our dedication to implementing sustainable practices, reducing our negative impact on the environment and encouraging our team members, guests and local community to be mindful of the natural surroundings.

[Related:  Events In Veligandu:  Commemorating Earth Hour 2021 with sustainable activities » ]

Book Your Sustainable Holiday Experience at Veligandu Resort & Spa Maldives 

Looking for a sustainable resort from which to explore the many wonders of the Maldives? Located in North Ari Atoll, Veligandu Island Resort & Spa is one of the Maldives’ leading eco-friendly resorts. It is the perfect tropical escape providing heartfelt hospitality and an authentic beach-chic lifestyle experience, ideal for travellers looking to create memorable moments in the most atmospheric island setting.

Click here to view our special offers and deals. We continue to allow for maximum flexibility for the next normal traveller. Book now at your convenience with the freedom of FREE Cancellation on Room Rate for cancellation received three days before arrival.

Living in the ‘new normal’ – Have A Safe Holiday Experience at Veligandu Quick Links: Your questions answered before you travel |  Facilitating PCR Testing at Resort |  Travel Flexibility & Cancellation Policy Update | Guest Reviews – Holidaying in the New Normal