Remember the two coral frames we sponsored through Reefscapers at the Four Seasons in the Maldives? Following my last blog, “Finding our Sustainable Footprints from Local lanes to Distant shores,” where our group discussed ways of ‘offsetting’ our travel abroad, I wanted to revisit these little underwater gardens that we sponsored in 2022 and 2023 putting them uppermost in our minds as a small example of a way to ‘pay back’ for our travel footprint.
As you know if you read my blogs regularly, I truly believe that even small actions, like sponsoring a coral frame, can ripple outwards and contribute to something beautiful and vital. It’s a simple choice you can make while exploring our beautiful planet; sponsoring a coral frame can directly fuel the restoration of these underwater gardens, offering a tangible way to bring life back to our precious oceans.
Let’s dive into the progress of our adopted reefs.
Our first frame was sponsored back in 2022 during our visit to the Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru; it wasn’t just a whim, it was a conscious decision to actively participate in healing our oceans. The memory is still vivid; the entire process of working alongside the marine biologists, carefully attaching those freshly harvested corals to their new home, was profoundly cathartic – a tangible act of hope in a world facing immense environmental challenges.
Once home, I remember the initial photos Reefscapers sent – it felt like planting a seed underwater. Over the past three years, with photo’s posted every six months or so, it’s been incredible to witness the transformation.
A miniature ecosystem being created with each frame. I often imagine the small fish finding shelter amongst the growing branches, the tiny invertebrates making their homes in the nooks and crannies. It’s a testament to the resilience of these incredible organisms when given a helping hand.
February 2023 brought us back to this special place, this time my son and his girlfriend joined and amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Maldives, a life-changing question was asked – and joyfully answered! To commemorate their engagement, we returned to the vital work of coral restoration, celebrating their love by populating a heart-shaped frame together. It was a beautiful fusion of personal happiness and their commitment to nurturing the ocean’s future, one that they had so enjoyed during their stay.
Coral Bleaching
However, as many of you will recall, 2023 brought with it the unwelcome news of widespread coral bleaching events across the globe, including the Maldives. With record temperatures both on land and sea during 2023 and 2024, it’s a stark reminder of the fragility of these ecosystems in the face of rising ocean temperatures.
It’s a sobering thought that these vibrant underwater cities are facing such immense pressure. While our sponsored frames are in the care of the dedicated Reefscapers team, who work tirelessly to mitigate the impacts, these widespread events undoubtedly have an effect.
Despite these challenges, the updates we’ve received from Reefscapers offer glimmers of hope. Our 2022 frame, now more established, has shown a degree of resilience. While there might have been some signs of stress during the bleaching events, the team has reported continued growth and the return of vibrant colour in many areas. It reinforces the idea that established, healthy reefs have a better chance of surviving these temperature spikes.
Our younger 2023 frame, while perhaps more vulnerable initially, is also showing signs of recovery. The dedicated efforts of the Reefscapers team, their careful monitoring and intervention, are undoubtedly playing a crucial role in its survival and growth. It’s a powerful reminder that even in the face of adversity, dedication and proactive measures can make a difference.
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But there is more…
Sponsoring these coral frames has been more than just a donation; it’s been an ongoing connection to a place and an ecosystem that holds immense beauty and ecological importance. It’s a tangible way to give back, to actively participate in reef restoration. These biologists in the Maldives are working towards developing more resistant coral offspring, better adapted to withstand higher temperatures and helping them fight against the global warming of the oceans.
There’s a positive social impact here too. This unique opportunity provides employment for some of the local people, with the coral frames themselves being made on the local island of Fulhadhoo in the Baa Atoll, developing essential new skills outside of the traditional fishing.
The Ripple Effect Continues
So, we continue our journey of “Finding our Sustainable Footprints,” let’s remember that every effort, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to the bigger picture. Supporting initiatives like Reefscapers, making conscious choices in our daily lives, and advocating for stronger environmental policies are all vital steps in protecting these precious underwater worlds for generations to come.
I’ll continue to share updates on our sponsored frames as they come in. It’s a long-term commitment, a story that is still unfolding, and one that I hope will ultimately be filled with vibrant growth and resilience.