Maldives Warns Coral Bleaching Could Prompt Reef Closure – Prioritizing the Environment

In early 2016, much to the dismay of environmentalists, it was discovered that the corals beneath 1m – 4m of water in the Maldives were turning a sickly white. This was an indication that disturbances to the water are removing algae from the reefs. Algae are a source of food for the corals and this alarming discolouration is an indication of the slow death of the Maldives coral reef. Given that the reef ensures the wellbeing of the islands, Mr. Thoriq Ibrahim, the Environment Minister of the Maldives stated that if the assessment of the damages indicates severe damage, the reef would be henceforth inaccessible to the public. However, environment conscious resorts such as Anantara Kihavah Maldives Villas invest time and energy to conserve and protect corals in and around its villas. Let’s hope more initiatives such as this would prevent the closure of the reef.