Often regarded as one of the most proactive ways to contribute to the Maldivian environmental preservation, registering with a coral adoption program is an option all holidaymakers can undertake. While there are several charities as well as resorts involved in replanting corals in the archipelago’s waters, knowing how to take part may seem confusing to first-time visitors. Here are some tips on how you can join in the efforts during your Maldivian getaway.
1. Stay at the Right Resort
Travellers who are serious about registering with a coral adoption program or taking part in any conservation efforts related to protecting the marine life and biodiversity of Maldivian waters should stay at a resort with environmental programs. From coral replanting programs to similar efforts, Major hotel chains not exclusive to brand names the likes of Minor Hotels are now thriving conservation hubs and eco-friendly rests in the Maldives. Seek out resort with coral initiatives and other conservation and coral adoption hotspots within their confines as the opportunities to register for a programme and take part in coral planting efforts and other conservation activities will become that much greater.
2. Lookup Coral Planting Programmes
Those who cannot afford to reserve accommodation at a venue which has its own coral adoption program can instead search for a conservation project near one’s base hotel or elsewhere in Maldives. Take the time to research the various charities and local environmental groups working to restore the country’s coral heritage prior to your arrival on the island. Online coral conservation sites, as well as the Maldivian tourism websites, can be invaluable in this regard as visitors can learn of the new and innovative ways in which coral replanting, coral adoption and similar initiatives are spread out across the most affected areas of the archipelago.
3. Visit a Coral Farm
One of the easiest ways to register with a coral adoption program is to visit a coral farm during your holiday in Maldives. Coral farms are set up in strategic location all across the portion of the Indian Ocean where coral bleaching and the aftermath of the Asian tsunami have destroyed the natural coral gardens that once occupied the seabed. A visit to a coral farm can not only broaden one’s understanding of the process of coral replanting and other conservation programs undertaken by various local groups and resorts but also make it easier to make a donation and adopt a coral to watch it grow over time once the holiday has ended and one has returned home.
4. Sign Up for Coral Planting Activities
Whether one is vacationing in a resort with its own coral planting project or not, signing up to take part in coral planting activities is as easy as registering online or by visiting a coral farm and expressing interest in doing so. Note that most organizations will charge travellers for registering to replant coral or any hands-on approach to planting corals or taking part in activities at a coral farm. Corals are planted on concrete frames so the broken pieces of natural coral will grow attached to the frame which will eventually be concealed entirely once the coral has fully formed around it. Note that those visiting during peak tourist season in the Maldives may find that volunteer positions and replanting opportunities may be less or already booked due to the popularity of the activity among tourists.
5. Make a Donation and Stay Updated
Those who register with an ongoing coral adoption program can keep track of the progress the replanted coral makes online and through updates from the organization or resort. Visitors should keep in mind that unlike trees, corals take a considerable amount of time to grow, several years at least. So be patient and watch your adopted coral plant reach maturity well after the vacation has concluded.
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