Large-scale coral restoration event held at Dhoonier Wreck as part of Asia Media Summit 2026.

Approximately 300 international media delegates attending the Asia Media Summit 2026 participated in a major coral restoration project at the Dhoonier Wreck site near Kudagiri Island on May 14th. Organized by the Visit Maldives Corporation, the Housing Development Corporation, and Public Service Media, the event involved attendees attaching coral fragments to specialized underwater frames. These structures are integrated into a unique reef project that utilizes two submerged Dornier aircraft, which historically served as the foundation for domestic aviation in the Maldives, to create a purpose-built marine habitat.

This initiative reflects the nation’s broader strategy of embedding ecological conservation into the tourism experience. By transforming artificial structures into thriving ecosystems, the project aims to foster biodiversity while offering a narrative-driven environment for divers. The effort underscores a shift toward sustainable, experiential travel, moving beyond traditional luxury offerings to engage visitors directly in the long-term regeneration of the archipelago’s underwater landscapes.