A coral planting and cultivation initiative has officially begun at Hulhumalé Channel Park, the area that connects Hulhumalé Phase 1 and Phase 2.

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The “Coral Garden Project” is a collaboration between Housing Development Corporation (HDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI). A special ceremony was held on 22nd July 2025 to mark the launch, with attendees including HDC Managing Director Mauroof Jameel, EPA Director General Ibrahim Naeem, and senior representatives from all three organizations. Team members involved in the project were also present.

“Our aim is to attract fish and marine life to the area and create a thriving underwater garden,” said Mauroof during the event.

To kick off the project, coral fragments were planted underwater using Modular Artificial Reef Structure (MARS) frames. These structures will be used to track coral growth and overall health over time.

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HDC stated that the coral species used in the planting were collected from the eastern reef of Hulhumalé. Hassan Abdul Muhsin, Manager of HDC’s Environment Management and Survey Department, noted that a team of experts has been assembled for the first phase. He added that the next step is to monitor and evaluate the area. If the results are promising, the project will be expanded further.

The project is designed to build a sustainable relationship between the marine environment and the people of Hulhumalé. It also aims to increase community engagement in environmental efforts.

According to HDC, additional coral planting activities will continue over the next year as the project moves forward in phases. The ultimate goal is to cultivate a wide range of marine life within the Channel Park area.