Written by Sanya Shete, World Ocean Day Youth Advisory Council member from the Maldives
When you think of the Maldives, what comes to mind? Perhaps you envision a paradise holiday destination. Don’t get me wrong, this thousand-island nation is magical, and I’m incredibly fortunate to work here as a marine biologist. Yet, below the surface lies a serious challenge: the coral reefs, which are the foundation of this incredible ecosystem, face ongoing threats from an increase in ocean temperatures and land reclamation, to name a few. My role as the marine biologist at Outrigger Maldives Maafushivaru Resort includes a mission I hold close to my heart: educating and engaging with local communities to preserve the beauty and biodiversity of our reefs.
As part of my mission, on 26th October 2024, I organized a coral conservation event at our resort, inviting students from Maamigili Island School to learn about the wonders of coral reefs and, just as importantly, the urgent need to protect them. Our event aimed to address two critical issues: coral degradation and lack of awareness, through hands-on learning experiences that connect young Maldivians to their remarkable underwater backyard.
To prepare, I created a Coral Handbook, filled with fun, engaging content on coral biology, reef diversity, and the local threats these habitats face. Interactive activities like “Design Your Own Reef” helped the students visualize vibrant, healthy ecosystems, while “A Call for Action” encouraged each child to make a personalized reef-protection sign. These activities let them express their own creativity while learning about their role in safeguarding coral ecosystems.
But the true highlight came during the coral planting session. Before the students arrived, I carefully collected “corals of opportunity” (or COO)—reef fragments broken off naturally, likely through strong weather occurrences or corallivores (predation)—beneath our overwater villas. Together, we attached these fragments to frames, including a unique turtle-shaped coral frame and two standard frames, as a method to try and restore the reef. Overall, we planted over 100 corals! The students were thrilled, especially when they discovered tiny marine creatures like crabs and brittle stars among the coral fragments. They weren’t just learning about the ocean; they were experiencing it.
After the planting, I introduced them to basic coral monitoring techniques, a vital part of reef restoration. Using coral charts, vernier calipers and dive slates in hand, they practiced logging data and got a taste of what marine science entails. We concluded the day with traditional Maldivian snacks and a “Save the Reef” cake, which was a sweet ending to an impactful day.
From this experience and others, I’ve come to realize that, unfortunately, many local schools in the Maldives don’t offer marine science education. I have met many young Maldivians growing up without much connection to the sea—a place that’s not only their heritage but also essential to their future. It’s moments like these that drive me to expand our education and outreach program, to try and cover a broader range of marine topics. I’m starting conversations with school leaders to make marine science education accessible and engaging, sparking connections between young Maldivians and the sea.
Through continued outreach, we can inspire a new generation to become guardians of their marine environment. Coral reefs in the Maldives—and around the world—are under pressure, but there is hope. When we empower young people with the knowledge and tools to protect these ecosystems, they become stewards of change, carrying forward the promise of a resilient, thriving ocean. Together, let’s celebrate and protect the beauty that makes the Maldives paradise, before it’s too late.