CREATING A LEGACY: CORA CORA MALDIVES AND MARS GLOBAL’S GROUND-BREAKING COLLABORATION IN CORAL RESTORATION

In a bold move to combat one of the greatest threats facing our oceans, Cora Cora Maldives, the epitome of freedom in luxury hospitality, has partnered with Mars Global to launch an ambitious coral restoration project in the Maldives. Using the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) the five-year commitment aims to scale up efforts to create resilient coral reefs. This groundbreaking collaboration also includes leading NGO Save the Beach Maldives. The Cora Cora Maldives x Mars Global x Save the Beach Maldives partnership is the first-of-its-kind official collaboration using the MARRS method for local community restoration. 

A Milestone Achievement

Mars Global recognised Cora Cora Maldives for its unwavering commitment to sustainability and its potential to restore heavily degraded coral reef areas. These reefs, with no chance of natural recovery, are being transformed during Phase 1 and 2 using Ocean Quest Direct Outplanting and MARSS (Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System) with later phases planning to involve Plant a Million Corals Microfragmentation and Coral Spawning Lab Sexual Reproduction. The resort has successfully completed the first phase of its ambitious five-year coral restoration project, setting the stage for a transformative journey in reef rehabilitation.  

As the project develops, Cora Cora Maldives and Mars Global aim to make the Maldives the second-largest coral restoration site for Mars Global, right behind Australia's Great Barrier Reef. This ambitious goal showcases the scale and significance of their commitment to marine conservation and goes beyond mere restoration; it's about creating a sustainable legacy that will benefit future generations. 

A Global Partnership with Local Impact

The collaboration between Cora Cora Maldives and Mars Global Sustainable Solutions has enabled the resort to implement its Assisted Coral Restoration methodology on a significant scale. The alliance underscores the resort's dedication to marine conservation and sustainable practices on a global level and benefits from world-leading expertise, guided by Marine Biologist Giulia Morello, whose extensive certifications include:

• PADI Certified Rescue Diver
• Ocean Quest Global Field Training Instructor (Trained in Malaysia with Cora Cora Maldives sponsorship)
• Certified Field Trainer for MARRS (Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System, facilitated by Mars Global)

Her leadership is instrumental in ensuring the success of the project, mentoring both resort staff and local communities in coral restoration best practices.

Centre of Excellence

Under the guidance of Morello and Diving and Watersports Manager Marcus Goh, Cora Cora Maldives plans to establish itself as a Centre of Excellence for coral restoration. Extending beyond the resort's boundaries, aiming to train not just the ‘Freedom Fighters’ but also local islands and other resorts in the region, amplifying the project's impact across the Maldives. The multi-resort initiative unites some of the most renowned names in Maldivian hospitality, including Diamonds Thudufushi & Athuruga Resort, Soneva Jani Resort Medhufaru, and others. Complementing the effort are key NGOs, including Save the Beach Maldives, the Marine Research and Higher Education Centre (MaRHE Center), and the Maldives Coral Institute (MCI), extending the restoration impact across local islands.

The project employs several innovative techniques to ensure the success of coral restoration:

Second Chance for Corals: Instead of allowing fragmented corals to perish, Cora Cora Maldives collects and carefully replants these "fragments of opportunity" onto Reef Stars, giving them a new lease of life. deploying reef stars with coral fragments across two key reef sites. 

Micro-fragmentation: Once the Marine Laboratory is constructed, this methos will involve breaking down larger coral colonies into smaller pieces, which are then cultivated in nurseries before being transplanted to restoration sites. 

Assisted Gene Flow: Research is being conducted to move specific gene traits selectively across different coral populations, potentially improving overall resilience and adaptive capacity.

Management leads by example

Cora Cora Maldives’ Managing Director, Martin van der Reijden, Resort Manager, Muiz Mohamed, and Heads of Department have all set an exemplary example, actively participating in the restoration activities alongside guests, partners, and the cadre Freedom Fighters.

Martin van der Reijden, Managing Director of Cora Cora Maldives, commented: "At Cora Cora Maldives, we believe that 'It's Freedom Time' isn't just a mantra—it's a way of life. True freedom also comes with responsibility, and as custodians of this stunning natural environment we are deeply committed to preserving it for generations to come.”

Guest Engagement and Education

The five-star all-inclusive resort offers guests the unique opportunity to participate in coral restoration activities, blending adventurous escapades with meaningful environmental action. This hands-on approach not only contributes to the project's success but also raises awareness about the importance of coral reef conservation among visitors from around the world. 

Guests will have the opportunity to raise funds during their stay for the Coral Restoration Project. Through Adopt-A-Coral Reef Stars and “Conscious Contributions”, guests have the freedom to contribute to the resort’s sustainability projects by opting to pay $1 per person during their stay. All funds donated will be used for the next phases of the project. 

Looking to the Future

“At Cora Cora Maldives, our vision is to become a beacon of sustainability in the Maldives, continuously innovating to protect and enhance our natural surroundings. Through initiatives like the Coral Restoration Programme, we're not just preserving today's beauty—we're building a legacy for future generations to enjoy,” said Muiz Mohamed, Resort Manager of Cora Cora Maldives.

With World Ocean Day on June 8th and the upcoming UN Oceans Conference in June 2025, the project serves as a timely reminder of the urgent need to protect our oceans. Coral reefs, which support over 25% of marine life, are essential for biodiversity and coastal protection. Through projects like this, Cora Cora Maldives and Mars Global are paving the way for a more sustainable future.

Comprising of 100 villas, a water sports & diving centre, a gym, an overwater yoga pavilion, an outdoor cinema, and CoRa KidsÒ club. Cora Cora Maldives is 45 minutes by seaplane from Velana International Airport or 30 minutes by domestic flight followed by a 20-minute speedboat journey and is the ultimate idyllic, island escape. 

www.coracoraresorts.com

ABOUT CORA CORA MALDIVES

Cora Cora Maldives is owned and operated by HMM Pvt. Ltd.  A privately-owned company, established in 2017. Created for families, friends, and couples with a wide variety of contemporary designed suites and villas, Cora Cora Maldives embraces a unique freedom concept whilst incorporating the cultural heritage of the Maldives. With a variety of premium dining options many of which encompass Cora Cora Maldives’ wellness ethos as well as an extensive spa, the luxury five-star resort opened on the 1st of October 2021.