News
Coral Reef Researchers launch IndieGoGo campaign to raise funds
Maldives.net.mv – Marine biology researchers at the KorallionLab Marine Station in the Maldives are studying declining coral reef populations and have launched an IndieGoGo campaign to raise funds to conduct this research.
Vavvaru Island in the Maldives is a prime location for the study of coral reef ecosystems. Marine biologists are hardly working at Korallionlab to study and promoting solutions to slow down or halt dominant coral reef populations declining and have launched an IndieGoGo campaign to raise money to help with research to preserve valuable coral reefs.
Coral reefs are beautiful and ecologically diverse ecosystems that are in danger of destruction due to a variety of causes, including exploitation, pollution and habitat destruction and from ocean temperature rise and acidification. Coral reefs are a vital part of the economic systems for millions of people as well as providing billions of dollars in tourism and pharmaceuticals as well as coast protection. Researchers at the KorallionLab in the Maldives in Lhayiyani Atoll have launched an IndieGoGo campaign at https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/vavvaru-island-help-research to raise money for research and conservation efforts on these coral reefs. For more information on KorallionLab, see www.korallionlab.com
The money raised will be used to fund scientific trips by ten selected groups to spend 21 nights on Vavvaru Island conducting research. All research groups will be nominated by international universities and chosen by scientific collaborators affiliated with KorallionLab. Funds will pay for lodging, living expenses, travel and transfer costs.
Donors to the IndieGoGo campaign can choose to donate $5 with the sincere thanks of the team; $50 for their choice of a handmade cotton toy such as a turtle or octopus; $75 for a t-shirt and baseball cap with Korallionlab logo; $150 for eco-reef suncream; $250 for wooden handmade sunglasses; $500 for a wooden handmade watch; $1,000 for a voucher for select wines; $13,000 for a trip to Monaco; $25,000 for a trip to KorallionLab; and $35,000 for a family trip to KorallionLab. For more details on the perks associated with this IndieGoGo campaign, see the campaign page.
KorallionLab Marine Station opened in April 2013 and is dedicated to the study of coral research and other marine biology topics in the Maldives. KorallionLab is located on Vavvaru Island in the Lhayiyani Atoll in the Indian Ocean. It is open to Universities and scientific Associations especially focused on marine biology and coral reef studies.
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives has been nominated in the Resorts category for the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (UK) and the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 (US), marking a further development in the resort’s international recognition.
The Readers’ Choice Awards are based on traveller feedback and are considered a key benchmark within the global travel industry. The dual nomination reflects the resort’s presence across international markets and its engagement with guests from different regions.
The nomination follows a series of recognitions for the resort. In 2025, Kuda Villingili was ranked among the Top 5 Overseas Leisure Resorts Worldwide in the Condé Nast Traveller Middle East Readers’ Choice Awards, placing fifth globally. It was also listed among the Top Resorts in the Indian Ocean in the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2025 (US). The resort was similarly recognised in the 2024 edition of the awards.
Located in North Malé Atoll, approximately 30 minutes by speedboat from Velana International Airport, Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives offers 75 villas and residences, each with private pools and views of the surrounding ocean.
The resort features eight restaurants and three bars, including Japanese-Peruvian dining at Mar-Umi and Teppanyaki by Mar-Umi. Other dining options include Asian cuisine at East and grill offerings at Fire. Additional facilities include a cigar lounge, a large swimming pool, a spa with overwater treatment villas, and a range of wellness and recreational activities such as yoga, sound therapy and surfing.
Amjad Thaufeeg, Commercial Director at Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives, stated that the nominations reflect feedback from guests across international markets and noted the importance of maintaining consistent service standards.
Voting for the Readers’ Choice Awards 2026 is open until 30 June 2026, with results scheduled to be announced in November 2026.
Baros Maldives is set to host a curated Earth Day experience titled Earth Day in Bloom on 22 April 2026, offering guests an evening programme centred on sustainability, nature and locally sourced ingredients.
The event will begin at 6:30pm at the resort’s Chef’s Garden, where guests will be welcomed with a Garden Spritz before taking part in a guided tour of the garden. The tour will introduce participants to local herbs and island-grown produce cultivated on the property.
As part of the programme, guests will be invited to plant their own herb, contributing to the garden while engaging in an activity aligned with environmental awareness. The experience will continue with a garden dinner starting at 7pm, featuring a menu designed around fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced from the island.
An optional pairing of organic wines will also be available, providing an additional element to the dining experience.
The event is priced at USD 175 per person, excluding applicable service charge and taxes. Reservations can be made through the resort’s butler service.
The initiative reflects Baros Maldives’ focus on sustainability-led guest experiences, integrating environmental awareness with culinary offerings and on-island activities.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives has been recognised as a Quality Winner at the TUI Global Hotel Awards 2026, an accolade based on guest feedback from travellers worldwide. The recognition reflects the resort’s delivery of guest experiences shaped by service standards, facilities and alignment with evolving traveller preferences.
Located in North Malé Atoll, Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives offers a range of accommodation options, with more than 140 units including overwater suites, beach bungalows and duplex garden bungalows. The resort is designed to accommodate couples, families and groups.
The resort features seven dining venues offering a mix of international and local cuisine. Tex Mex serves Mexican and Spanish-inspired dishes, while Dalchini offers an Indian à la carte menu available for lunch and dinner. Raalhu Bar provides a setting for evening refreshments, with views of the sunset.
Cinnamon Dhonveli Maldives is also known for Pasta Point, a surf break recognised for its left-hand waves. The resort attracts surfers from international markets who travel to access the location. Surf operations at Pasta Point are managed by Atoll Adventures, with bookings handled through Atoll Travel to ensure a structured approach to surf access.
The TUI Global Hotel Awards are determined by guest reviews, making the recognition an indicator of guest satisfaction. The resort’s inclusion as a Quality Winner reflects its performance in meeting guest expectations within the Maldives tourism sector.
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