Visit Maldives Corporation (VMC), Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Public Service Media has conducted one of the largest coral restoration activities in the Maldives at the Dhoonier Wreck site near Kudagiri Island as part of the Asia Media Summit 2026 hosted by PSM, bringing together around 300 international media delegates from 40 countries.
The Dhoonier Wreck project is a regenerative tourism initiative led by Visit Maldives Corporation and Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Launched in 2025, the project involves the transformation of two submerged aircraft into an underwater reef structure supported by long-term coral restoration, forming a purpose-built site for marine regeneration and experiential diving.
The event held on 14th May featured one of the largest coral planting activities, where delegates of the Asia Media Summit actively participated by attaching coral fragments to specially designed underwater frames before relocating them to the Dhoonier Wreck site. The site is set to feature an airport-inspired underwater layout developed as part of its long-term ecological design, integrating the submerged Dornier aircraft, among the first aircraft brands used for domestic air connectivity in the Maldives, as structural reef elements within the wider marine habitat.
The activity was supported by HDC team and dive teams from volunteering tourism establishments to ensure structured and scientifically guided implementation of reef restoration work. Participants received guided instruction on coral handling and placement techniques, contributing directly to ongoing reef regeneration efforts at the site.
The Dhoonier Wreck initiative reimagines the submerged aircraft as the foundation of a developing marine ecosystem that integrates coral restoration with experiential dive tourism. As the site evolves through phased coral growth and habitat enhancement, it will form a structured reef environment designed to support marine biodiversity while offering a narrative diving experience.
The initiative also highlights the Maldives’ approach to integrating conservation within tourism development, positioning marine restoration as part of visitor engagement rather than a standalone activity. It further supports the country’s shift towards experiential and eco-conscious tourism offerings, extending the Maldives’ appeal beyond traditional luxury positioning.
Thursday’s event was supported by The Ministry of Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Environment and Climate change, Dive Club Maldives, Villa Nautica, Dive Bandos, Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru, Malahini Kuda Bandos, Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort and Spa, Science Explore Act Discover (SEAD), Marine Lab Maldives, MoodhuBulhaa dive, Extreme Maldives, National Boating Association of Maldives (NBAM), Maldives Moments, MTCC, Maldives Airports Company Ltd (MACL), Maldives Police Service, Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), Maldives Marine Research Institute, Aqua Club Maldives and Male’ City Group of Hospitals (MCGH).
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