A coral restoration initiative has officially been launched at Hulhumalé Channel Park, the area connecting Phases 1 and 2 of Hulhumalé.

The Coral Garden Project, spearheaded by the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) in partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI), was inaugurated on Monday during a special ceremony attended by senior officials from all three institutions.

Speaking at the event, HDC Managing Director Mauroof Jameel said the project aims to restore marine biodiversity and create an "underwater garden" that supports fish and other marine life in the channel area.

To mark the beginning of the project, live coral fragments sourced from Hulhumalé’s eastern reef were planted underwater, and mass frames were installed to monitor their growth and development.

HDC noted that the restoration will be carried out in phases, with additional coral cultivation activities scheduled throughout the year.

In addition to its ecological objectives, the initiative is designed to foster community involvement and raise awareness about marine conservation, the corporation said.