Maldives Coral Institute Calls to Protect Goidhoo Atoll from Destructive Development

The Maldives Coral Institute (MCI) has issued a urgent call to protect the Goidhoo Atoll’s marine ecosystem, warning that government plans to dredge and reclaim the lagoon for resort development could irreversibly damage one of the world’s most resilient coral systems.

In a detailed statement released on August 18, the MCI highlighted the atoll’s exceptional biodiversity, including giant coral colonies estimated to be 300 - 500 years old, which have survived multiple bleaching events and extreme temperatures. These corals, some measuring up to 37 metres in circumference, are vital for replenishing reefs across the Maldives and may hold the key to understanding coral resilience in the face of climate change.

Why Goidhoo Atoll Matters

• Ancient Giants: The lagoon hosts 12 massive coral colonies from genera like Porites, Turbinaria, and Pavona, which serve as natural navigational aids for local fishers. These corals have withstood three major bleaching events, including the 2025 marine heatwave, where temperatures peaked at 35°C far exceeding the Maldives’ bleaching threshold of 30.5°C.

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Surveys reveal live coral coverage of 50 - 80%, representing over half of all coral species in the Maldives. The reefs resemble pristine conditions documented in the 1950s, making them a rare window into the past.

• Thermal Resilience: Despite extreme heat, nearly 50% of bleached corals in Goldhoo recovered—a stark contrast to global trends of mass mortality.

Threats and Alternatives

The MCI warns that dredging would degrade reefs, undermine local tourism, and jeopardize food security for atoll communities. Instead, they advocate for protection to safeguard the atoll’s natural beauty, which supports high-end eco-tourism and coastal resilience.

“Goidhoo’s corals are irreplaceable,” the statement emphasizes. “Their loss would erase centuries of growth and a lifeline for Maldivian reefs.”

Visual Evidence

Accompanying the statement are striking images of Goidhoo’s giant corals  and thriving reefs, underscoring their ecological and cultural value.

Global Significance

The MCI’s appeal joins growing international efforts to preserve marine ecosystems as climate change accelerates. Goldhoo’s resilience offers hope and a critical research opportunity for coral survival worldwide.

The institute urges policymakers to halt dredging plans and designate Goidhoo Atoll as a protected area, ensuring its legacy as a “window to the past and hope for the future.”