Freedom Footprints — Cora Cora Maldives on Coral Reef Restoration

18 November, 2024

One of the best All-Inclusive resorts in the Maldives Cora Cora, the epitome of freedom in luxury hospitality, announces the completion of the first phase of its ambitious five-year coral restoration project. This milestone achievement embodies the resort’s signature ethos, “It’s Freedom Time,” by demonstrating that true freedom comes with a profound sense of responsibility towards our shared environment.

Harmonising luxury with sustainable stewardship, “It’s Freedom Time” isn’t just a slogan – it’s a philosophy that permeates every aspect of the guest experience. The coral restoration project highlights the commitment to five-star luxury, including the responsibility to protect the natural wonders that make the destination exceptional.

Freedom Footprints: A Sustainable Legacy

The coral restoration project stands at the heart of Cora Cora Maldives’ Freedom Footprints Sustainability Programme, utilising the Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) Certified Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS). This innovative approach aims to rejuvenate coral reefs but meet a new standard for sustainable practices in luxury hospitality.

Spearheaded by Managing Director Martin van der Reijden and General Manager Justin Swart, all Cora Cora Maldives’ heads of department have led by example, actively participating in the restoration activities alongside guests, partners, and the resort’s dedicated staff of Freedom Fighters.

“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.

Through our Coral Restoration Plan and the Freedom Footprints Sustainability Program, we’re taking meaningful steps to live harmoniously with nature. These initiatives reflect our core belief that celebrating freedom and embracing sustainability go hand in hand, ensuring our guests can enjoy their experience knowing we are making a positive impact.” Martin van der Reijden, Managing Director of Cora Cora Maldives commented.

The resort offers guests the unique opportunity to participate in coral restoration activities, blending luxury escapades with meaningful environmental action. The freedom to indulge in world-leading amenities and services thus goes hand-in-hand with contributing to a vital cause.

“The Coral Restoration Programme at Cora Cora Maldives is a testament to our belief that true freedom comes with a responsibility to protect and nurture the natural beauty around us.

This initiative is a cornerstone of our Freedom Footprints Sustainability Program, ensuring that while our guests enjoy the freedom to relax, discover, and celebrate life, they are part of a resort that prioritises harmony with nature. It’s an opportunity for us all to give back to the environment that gives us so much.” said Justin Swart, General Manager of Cora Cora Maldives

This successful completion of the first phase of the five-year coral restoration project marks a significant step in contributing to the Maldives becoming the second-largest coral restoration site for Mars Global, right behind Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. 

Key Highlights of the Project

• Two Focal Sites: The project currently centres on two key locations on the island, strategically chosen for their ecological significance.
  Reef Stars: Deployment of Reef Stars containing coral fragments that have been naturally broken off and are unable to reattach to the reef independently.
• Second Chance for Corals: Instead of leaving these “fragments of opportunity” to perish, Cora Cora Maldives collects and carefully replants them onto Reef Stars, giving them a second chance to thrive.
• A Global Partnership for Local Impact: The collaboration between Cora Cora Maldives and Mars Global Sustainable Solutions has allowed the resort to its Assisted Coral Restoration methodology. This alliance underscores the resort’s dedication to marine conservation and sustainable practices on a global scale. Marine Biologist Giulia Morello trained in Malaysia to leverage specialised world-class expertise in the mission to regenerate delicate marine ecosystems.
• Centre of Excellence: Under the guidance of Morello and Diving and Watersports Manager Marcus Goh, Cora Cora Maldives is establishing itself as a Centre of Excellence for coral restoration. This initiative goes beyond the resort’s boundaries, aiming to train not just the “Freedom Fighters” but also local islands and other resorts in the region to expand the project’s impact.
• Community Engagement and Education: The coral restoration initiative is not just about scientific intervention but about building a community of ocean advocates. Guests, staff, and local communities are all invited to participate, from tying coral fragments to learning about marine ecosystems.
• Adopt-a-Reef Star programme: Guests can participate in a unique and meaningful reef star-building activity to promote the growth of reef habitats.

Looking Ahead: A Five-Year Vision

As Cora Cora Maldives celebrates the completion of the first phase of its coral restoration project, the resort is already looking ahead to the next stages. The five-year plan features:

• Expansion of the restoration efforts to cover larger areas of the reef.
• Regular monitoring and research to assess the project’s impact.
  Engaging guests in educational programmes about marine conservation.
• Collaborating with local communities to extend the benefits of coral restoration beyond the resort.

“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 Justin Swart, General Manager of Cora Cora Maldives.

Guests at Cora Cora Maldives are invited to be part of a transformative journey. Whether participating in coral planting activities, attending marine biology workshops, or simply enjoying the rejuvenated reefs, every visitor becomes a part of the Freedom Footprints story.

The five-year plan includes expanding restoration efforts, conducting cutting-edge research, and further engaging guests and local communities in marine conservation. Cora Cora demonstrates that freedom and responsibility can coexist, creating unforgettable experiences for guests while safeguarding the natural wonders of the Maldives.

It’s not just “Freedom Time” – it’s freedom to enjoy, freedom to explore and freedom to make a difference.

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