Maldives: they are filling in the coral reef and building a runway for planes

In the Maldives, as a result of an airport expansion, builders are backfilling a coral reef to create a runway for planes.

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On the island of Maamigili in the Maldives, work has begun on the expansion of the airport. As a result of the work, an area of 30 hectares of coral reef will be covered with sand. This will create an artificial island on which a runway for aircraft will later be built.

The case was reported by Maria Sotek, who is active in protecting and restoring coral reefs. About her activities in the Maldives we already wrote in one of this year’s news items.

Work is already underway. Machines are pumping sand onto the reef (like you see in the photos) and it’s covering everything – corals and sea animals; starfish, lobsters and more – Maria Sotek reported on her social media.

Rescue of buried corals

Now, the Pole has also decided to take matters into her own hands and save what can be saved. Therefore, she came up with an idea to cut corals from the buried reef and transplant them to another place.

It occurred to me that we could cut these corals down, take them away and plant them here! I checked everything and, indeed, there were already such projects in several places around the world. One of the most experienced reef replanting specialists, marine biologist Karl Fellenius, agreed to lead our project. Free of charge – as a volunteer! – informed Sotek on her profile.

According to the information we have received, the Pole has received all the necessary permissions and has prepared the entire procedure for action. Soon everything should take shape. The only problem is, of course, the financing of the whole operation.

We have calculated that it will cost $25,000 to replant 1,800 corals. We don’t have that much. So far, all of Coral Mission’s day-to-day operations are funded by my own money, which I earn from my second job. But I can’t do it alone anymore. – wrote the founder of Coral Mission.

That is why it has decided to organise a collection to help carry out the entire operation. If any of our readers would like to make a contribution to this worthy cause, then please visit the website of the Coral Mission Foundation. You can find all the necessary details and contact information there.

It costs US$14 to save one coral (US$25,066 / 1800 corals). So every 14 USD, is one step forward. You can’t donate that much – donate 10 PLN. With every zloty we are closer to our goal!

A detailed description of the work and a cost estimate have been made available by the Coral Mission Foundation on dedicated website.

The Foundation is also looking for volunteers to help with reef replanting and relocating marine animals. The required diving qualification is at least AOWD supported by experience. Willingness to work and sit underwater several hours a day is also essential. Interested persons welcome to contact us.