In the pristine waters of the Maldives, where every wave tells a story, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives has marked a remarkable milestone by planting its 9000th coral frame—a major step forward in a journey that’s been healing the ocean for over 20 years.

The milestone, achieved in collaboration with Reefscapers, is part of one of the world’s most successful coral restoration projects, initiated after the devastating El Niño bleaching event of 1997-98. What began as a passionate idea from coastal oceanographer Thomas Le Berre has now flourished into a global conservation model.

Four Seasons’ support led to the development of a groundbreaking coral frame technique—now adopted worldwide—where coral fragments are attached to specially coated metal frames and planted on the seabed to encourage reef regeneration. Today, this project spans 3.05 acres of thriving artificial reef in the Indian Ocean.

From its roots at Four Seasons Resorts Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, the coral propagation initiative has expanded into fully equipped Marine Discovery Centres, powered by 11 full-time marine biologists. Their work includes coral spawning research, sea turtle rehabilitation, and a Fish Lab aimed at reducing pressure on natural reefs by breeding ornamental reef fish in captivity.

The Maldives-based team continues to push boundaries with innovations like an AI-powered catamaran that improves monitoring efficiency. In fact, the largest coral restoration study to date—published in Nature Ecology & Evolution—was made possible through these cutting-edge efforts.

In the face of climate change, the project’s resilience is evident. When mass coral bleaching was forecasted in 2024, the Reefscapers teams acted swiftly, relocating 28,000 corals from shallow waters to deeper, cooler areas to protect them. These frames are built on nearby Fulhadhoo island, supporting the local economy through sustainable practices and community involvement.

“Our 9,000th coral frame is an uplifting milestone for us,” says Armando Kraenzlin, Regional Vice President and General Manager at Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru. “We're witnessing the return of life—from small reef fish to turtles and eagle rays—restoring hope with every frame.”

Education and outreach are vital components of the initiative. School visits to nearby islands and a marine biology internship for local youth foster a sense of custodianship. Guests too, can get hands-on through immersive reef building, kid-friendly programs at Kuda Huraa, and Marine Savers modules at Landaa Giraavaru for teens.

While Four Seasons sponsors several frames weekly, most are supported by guests, turning each visit into an opportunity to contribute to the ocean’s future. “Marine conservation is a shared responsibility,” Armando concludes. “We’re here to inspire, but it's the guests and young ocean stewards who will carry the mission forward.”

From vision to action, Four Seasons Resorts Maldives continues to show that sustainability is not just about preserving paradise—it’s about restoring it, one coral frame at a time.

To learn more, visit:
Four Seasons Maldives Sustainability