The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort has completed the first phase of Coral RISE (Coral Restoration Initiatives for Sustainable Ecosystems), installing 100 Reef Stars with 1,500 coral fragments on its house reef in Baa Atoll from September 18 to 20, 2026. Developed in collaboration with MARS Sustainable Solutions, the initiative aims to support coral recovery and the long-term health of the surrounding reef ecosystem.
Reef Stars are sand-coated, hexagonal steel structures that provide a stable foundation for coral fragments in damaged or degraded reef areas. Installed underwater and connected to form a supportive reef framework, they help coral fragments establish and grow while creating habitat for fish and other marine life.
The restoration work follows the MARS Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS), a science-based method developed by MARS Sustainable Solutions. The approach combines trained restoration teams, locally sourced coral fragments, Reef Stars, and ongoing maintenance and monitoring. Over time, the structures are designed to integrate into the reef environment and support the recovery of a more diverse marine habitat.
“Coral RISE demonstrates how a focused first step can form the foundation of a lasting commitment to reef restoration,” said Kate Janetski, Marine Program Lead for Maldives & Caribbean and Global Training Manager at MARS Sustainable Solutions. “The 100 Reef Stars installed at The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort provide a practical foundation for coral growth, while continued monitoring and care will be essential to the project’s long-term progress. We are pleased to support the resort in bringing science-based restoration closer to its guests and associates.”
“Completing the first phase of Coral RISE is an important milestone for our resort,” said Harish Gopalakrishnan, General Manager of The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort. “The ocean surrounding our island is central to the Maldivian experience, and protecting it is a responsibility we take seriously. By making the restoration area accessible to guests for snorkeling, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation of the reef and inspire more people to care for the natural environment.”
Coral RISE was introduced during World Wellness Weekend, reflecting Westin’s approach to well-being as something that extends beyond the individual to the natural environment. As part of the weekend’s activities, guests joined the resort team and MARS Sustainable Solutions in building and preparing the Reef Stars before they were installed in the reef.
Located within an area accessible for snorkeling, the restoration site will allow guests to observe the Reef Stars and monitor coral development over time. Ongoing marine education will also help raise awareness of coral ecosystems and the importance of reef conservation in the Maldives.
Coral RISE complements the resort’s broader sustainability efforts, including its Green Globe certification and continued focus on embedding responsible practices into its operations and guest experience. While the certification provides a framework for the resort’s sustainability efforts, Coral RISE translates that commitment into direct local action to support the marine environment of Baa Atoll.
