SUSTAINABILITY - MaHRE MARINE LABS Hotel

The Planhotel Group is proud to promote scientific research on the Resorts of Athuruga, Thudufushi and Bathala in order to improve the knowledge of the marine ecosystem to create a sensitive net for the protection of the Maldivian reefs.
Each of the resorts has a MaHRE Marine Lab and hosts a resident marine biologist and an intern from the University of Milano-Bicocca. The researchers are full time involved in the collection of data useful to understand the ecological dynamics of the organisms inhabiting the coral reef. Additionally the continuously research new techniques for coral conservation and restoration, while analysing and monitoring the changing features of the ocean and its inhabitants.

Other projects include the Olive Ridley Project (turtles), The Big Fish Network (whale sharks), Bathashark (sharks) and the Coral Nursery.

The various projects range from the ecology of Acanthaster planci (Crown-of-Thorns starfish), Coral Restoration, monitoring of the reef status with the support of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) and more. Though the research activities are not restricted, science is incomplete without the spreading of the information.

In order to share knowledge and sensitise on this fragile ecosystem, workshops are offered where guests can adopt a coral frame (Diamonds Thudufushi) or adopt a coral cookie (Diamonds Athuruga and Sandies Bathala). During this worshop, partcipants can learn about the nature of corals and how to protect them, together with our marine biologists a coral frame or coral cookie is prepared and planted back into the ocean to further its growth.

Back home, the guest will receive via e-mail photographs and information about the frame or cookie they have sponsored, along with a certificate of adoption.