Male’, Maldives -14th May 2026 – The Maldives reinforced its commitment to sustainable tourism and marine conservation through a landmark coral restoration event held at the Dhoonier Wreck site near Kudagiri Island on 14 May, as part of the Asia Media Summit 2026.
Organised jointly by Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), Housing Development Corporation (HDC), and Public Service Media (PSM), the initiative brought together approximately 300 international media professionals representing 40 countries. The event marked one of the largest coral planting activities ever undertaken in the Maldives, highlighting the nation’s growing emphasis on regenerative tourism experiences.
At the heart of the project is the Dhoonier Wreck initiative, a pioneering collaboration between VMC and HDC launched in 2025. The concept centres on transforming two submerged aircraft into thriving artificial reef structures, creating a unique underwater attraction that combines ecological restoration with immersive diving experiences.
During the event, delegates actively participated in coral propagation efforts by attaching coral fragments to specially designed underwater frames. These structures were subsequently positioned around the Dhoonier Wreck site, contributing directly to the long-term restoration and development of the marine habitat. Conservation experts and dive professionals guided participants through coral handling and transplantation techniques, ensuring the activity adhered to scientific best practices.
What sets the project apart is its innovative design. Inspired by an airport layout, the underwater site incorporates submerged Dornier aircraft—among the earliest aircraft used to connect communities across the Maldives—as key structural features within the evolving reef ecosystem. Over time, the coral-covered wrecks are expected to support increasing levels of marine biodiversity while offering divers a distinctive underwater narrative linked to the nation’s aviation history.
Beyond its environmental significance, the initiative reflects a broader shift in Maldivian tourism towards meaningful, experience-driven travel. By allowing visitors to actively contribute to marine conservation efforts, the project creates a deeper connection between tourism and environmental stewardship, moving beyond traditional luxury-focused offerings.
As coral colonies continue to develop and marine life flourishes around the site, the Dhoonier Wreck is expected to become a compelling example of how tourism infrastructure can be repurposed to support ecological regeneration while creating memorable visitor experiences.
The large-scale restoration event was made possible through the support of numerous government agencies, conservation organisations, dive operators, tourism establishments, and research institutions, demonstrating a collective commitment to safeguarding the Maldives’ marine environment for future generations.
