Dhiraagu partners with Soneva CSM to support coral reef restoration program in Dharavandhoo

Dhiraagu has partnered with Soneva Conservation andSustainability Maldives (Soneva CSM) to support the Dhirun Community Coral Regeneration Program in B. Dharavandhoo.

According to Dhiraagu, the partnership will support a community-led approach to coral reef restoration that combines Soneva CSM’s technical and scientific expertise with local participation and capacity building.

The program will be implemented in Dharavandhoo in collaboration with local NGO Muraka Farm and the island community, with a strong focus on developing the knowledge and skills needed to sustain coral restoration efforts locally.

Located within the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and close to Hanifaru Bay, Dharavandhoo’s coral reefs are essential to the island’s tourism, fisheries and local livelihoods.

The program will train 10 to 15 community members in hands-on coral restoration and monitoring, while establishing a community coral nursery comprising approximately 30 to 50 nursery structures. It will further support ongoing coral propagation and outplanting, engage youth through training and public awareness activities, and strengthen the long-term recovery and resilience of local reefs through community stewardship.

Training sessions and community engagement activities will lead up to coral restoration activities and a community festival in Dharavandhoo later this year.

Speaking at the partnership event, Bishaara Hameed, Senior Manager Corporate Social Responsibility, Dhiraagu said the company was pleased to support the program.

“What makes this initiative particularly meaningful is its community-led approach, which builds local knowledge and skills to support sustainable coral restoration and long-term stewardship, creating lasting environmental impact and strengthening our marine ecosystems for generations to come,” she added.

Johanna Leonhardt, Director of Operations, Soneva CSM, highlighted on the importance of locally driven coral restoration programs.

“For restoration to have meaningful, long-term impact, it cannot simply be delivered to a community and then left behind; the knowledge, skills and ownership need to remain within that community,” she said.

“Dhirun is therefore focused on building practical local capacity so that coral restoration, monitoring and stewardship can increasingly be led and sustained from Dharavandhoo itself. We hope this creates not only lasting impact for the island’s reef, but also a model for community-led reef regeneration that can be adapted elsewhere in the Maldives.”

Soneva CSM is a Maldivian-registered NGO working to advance coral reef regeneration, marine research, conservation and community stewardship. Its work combines applied research and restoration with partnerships, education and local capacity building to support healthier and more resilient coral reef ecosystems across the Maldives.

Dhiraagu stated that environmental protection and ocean conservation are key focus areas of its CSR program.

 The company reiterated its commitment to supporting initiatives that protect the environment, empower local communities and strengthen environmental resilience across the Maldives.