Coral to be cultivated at Hulhumale' Channel Park

A project to cultivate coral has been commenced yesterday at the Hulhumale' Channel Park, which connects Hulhumale' Phases 1 and 2.

Housing Development Corporation (HDC) said that the commenced the Coral Garden Project yesterday in collaboration with Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Maldives Marine Research Institute (MMRI).

HDC Managing Director Mauroof Jameel, EPA Director General Ibrahim Naeem and other senior officials from the three institutions participated in a special ceremony held yesterday to inaugurate the project.

"The aim is to cultivate fish and other marine life, and create an underwater garden here," Mauroof said.

Coral was planted underwater to mark the beginning of the project. Mass frames to monitor growth of the corals were also placed, HDC said.

HDC said that they are cultivating a specific type of coral taken from the eastern reef of Hulhumale'.

HDC's Environment Management and Surveying Department Manager Hassan Abdul Muhusin said that a team of experts within the company has been formed in the first phase of this project.

"What will be done now is, this area will be monitored and evaluated. If desired results are observed here, then we will expand the project," he said.

Muhusin said that the aim of the project is to create a sustainable relationship between Hulhumale' and its residents.

The project, which will be conducted over several phases, will see more coral being cultivated in Hulhumale' Channel Park over the year, HDC said.

HDC said that the project aims to enhance community engagement and cultivate marine life in the area.