GAAFU DHAALU ATOLL, THE MALDIVES – Guests of the Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort recently joined the Best Dives Konotta marine biologist and staff to relaunch a coral regeneration project. The previous initiative, launched in December 2015, was doing well until the El Nino effect in April raised water temperatures and negatively impacted the new growths.
Marine biologist Caterina Fattori gave a presentation on global warming and its impact on coral in the Maldives on 19 August to European and Chinese guests (with live translations) from Chinese speaking dive instructor ‘Vincent’ Gao Yang.
The next day guests joined Ms Fattori to connect living coral fragments that had been displaced by waves to coconut ropes. They were attached on laces then to metal frames in two areas at about 7 metres and 13 metres depth, while the round concrete bases were placed in the sandy sea floor at about 7 metres depth.
Additional follow up restoration work will take place on 26 and 27 August, also with guest participation.
The coral restoration project initiated by Best Dives Konotta is part of the Outrigger OZONE (Outrigger’s Zone) global marine conservation program.
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ABOUT THE OUTRIGGER KONOTTA MALDIVES RESORT
The award winning Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort offers guests the largest average villa sizes in the Maldives. Comprising 29 Beach Pool Villas, 21 Ocean Pool Villas, two Lagoon Pool Villas and a Presidential Villa, the resort offers a complete sense of privacy and intimate luxury. Captivate your senses with innovative dining concepts, the Navasana Spa, and high-end facilities. In between your diving lesson and massage, indulge in sumptuous Maldivian cuisine or a glass of white Burgundy in one of our restaurants or the comfort of your villa. As the sun sets, sample Japanese single malts at our Teppan bar while drinking in endless ocean views. Visit outriggermaldives.com
The private island of Konotta is located 211 miles (340 kilometers) to the south of Malé and conveniently accessible via a 55-minute flight from Malé to Kaadedhdhoo Airport followed by a scenic 30-minute journey on a luxurious private speedboat.
ABOUT OUTRIGGER ENTERPRISES GROUP
Outrigger Enterprises Group is one of the largest and fastest growing privately held leisure lodging, retail and hospitality companies operating in the Asia Pacific, Oceania and Indian Ocean regions. As part of its unique hospitality offering, the values-based company extends exceptional hospitality and authentic cultural experiences, incorporating local traditions and customs into the guest experience at each of its properties worldwide. Guided by more than 69 years of family leadership, Outrigger runs a highly-successful, multi-branded portfolio of hotels, condominiums and vacation resort properties, including Outrigger® Resorts, OHANA Hotels by Outrigger®, Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger®, Embassy Suites®, Holiday Inn®, Best Western®, Wyndham Vacation Ownership® and Hilton Grand VacationsTM. Currently, Outrigger operates and/or has under development 38 properties with approximately 8,000 rooms located in Hawaii (Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Hawaii Island); Guam; Fiji; Thailand; Mauritius; and the Maldives. For online information, log on at www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and www.outrigger.com.
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Outrigger Hotels and Resorts, Asia-Pacific
Ste 105-112, Plaza Del Mar, No. 1 Pasak-Koktanod Rd
Cherngtalay Sub-Dist., Thalang District
Phuket Province, 83110 Thailand
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Email: monica.salter@outrigger.com
