Coral Conservation Blooms in Kolamaafushi: Local Efforts Bring New Life to Fragile Reefs
Kolamaafushi, a remote island in the Northern corner of Gaafu Alifu atoll, is charting a new course in local coral conservation by planting gardens of coral in hopes to bring new life to its fragile marine biodiversity.
Initiated by a committed group of four local environmentalists, the project seeks to counter the damaging effects of coral bleaching and degradation.
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Ahmed Hazim Rasheed, an open-water scuba instructor, is spearheading the initiative and is closely supported by Ranan, Aban, and Amanathulla; all of whom are divers from the island. Drawing upon their experiences from resort-based projects, they are introducing this concept to their community.
“We are proud that this will be the first project to be done on an inhabited island on this scale, and we hope the inspiration will be taken by islands with the same resource and will be carried out all across,” said Abaan Amjad, one of the divers on the team.
The team also informed that this project is not just about restoring the island’s reef, but also sparking interest in environmental preservation within the region.
“We are getting a lot of support from the locals. They are very much interested in this project. They do check with us for updates. And the comments on social media are very positive on this.“
To further engage the community, the founders are organising an awareness event. The event will educate residents, particularly students, about coral planting and restoration.
A drawing competition targeting preschool and island school students is also on the agenda. A coral planting event is being organised for GA Atoll school students, providing them with hands-on experience in preserving their marine environment.
Kolamaafushi’s industries are primarily anchored in traditional pole and line fishing for tuna, along with some economic activities such as agriculture, boat building, and cattle rearing. The island’s aspirations for local tourism have seen the rise of guesthouses and various excursions for tourists.
The coral nursery, a unique attraction, has the potential to significantly enhance the island’s appeal to visitors. The founders envision tourists adopting and planting their own corals, fostering a deeper connection between nature and tourism.
Coral reefs worldwide are grappling with the consequences of rising temperatures, coral bleaching, and encroaching algae cover. Kolamaafushi’s reef is no exception. The coral restoration project aims to combat these challenges head-on, with the expectation that healthy coral growth will be visible in the project’s nursery within 6-12 months. The founders envision fragments from these rejuvenated corals to find new homes on other reefs in need.
