Baros Maldives is renowned for its romantic appeal, its quintessential Maldives accommodation and its world-class service. It’s also known for its inviting sapphire-blue waters and a gorgeous house reef, home to exceptional marine life — natural elements we at Baros are committed to preserving.
Our onsite marine consultants and biologists utilize various techniques to support the health of the house reef, including floating lines and coral frames on which corals can grow. But while these techniques can be hugely successful, they don’t help to propagate the reef itself. That’s why we’ve launched a new programme that centres on coral restoration in the reef itself; the Coral Cube planting initiative. The best part? You can get involved too.
Here are four reasons why we recommend doing just that:
During the Coral Cube programme, you are able to explore the gorgeous Baros house reef, alive with fish and vibrant corals and understand the important role corals play in a healthy marine ecosystem.
As you will see, corals act as shelters and nurseries for a variety of marine life and protect the islands from strong currents and waves. As temperatures rise, however, corals tend to bleach and die.
When you partake in the Coral Cube initiative, the marine biologists will help you to better understand the reef, what is happening in the world’s oceans and what can be done to mitigate the negative effects of climate change.
The experience centres on the planting of concrete Coral Cubes in the house reef. Broken coral pieces that are still alive can then be attached to these structures, which are then planted in predetermined areas of the reef that need the most support.
Participating in the Coral Cube planting programme led by Baros’s very own marine biologists is an exceptional experience for guests. You are invited to partake in a meaningful experience, learn more about the marine ecosystem and create an “eco-footprint” in the form of the coral cube. It’s equal parts enjoyable, immersive and educational and, guests of all ages (and swimming abilities) can participate.
Well-meaning initiatives sometimes have an unintended consequence on some other part of the ecosystem, but thankfully, that’s not the case with this programme. Coral Cubes are formed from reusable wooden moulds, involve no plastic elements and the corals attach directly onto the concrete itself. In other words, no harmful substances are used and no waste is left behind, making this technique wonderfully environmentally friendly.
The aim of this offering is to raise awareness and better educate and involve guests in marine protection efforts, which is why we offer the Coral Cube programme free of charge. However, those interested in marking the experience can have their initials imprinted in their Coral Cube for a small fee, which will be used towards the production of more Coral Cube moulds. This will help ensure that the reef is preserved for future generations to enjoy.
Help Baros Maldives preserve the marine ecosystem for future generations to enjoy and book your stay at Baros today. Get in touch with us for more information.
Begin your very own coral garden …