Six Senses Kanuhura is participating in the COASTS Project, a global research initiative dedicated to understanding and strengthening coastal resilience through the study of blue carbon ecosystems. Through its involvement, the resort reinforces its ongoing commitment to marine conservation and the sustainable stewardship of the fragile ecosystems that define the Maldives.
Funded under Horizon Europe 2023 by EUSPA, the COASTS Project is led by EOMAP and brings together a consortium of partners, including Submaris and the Maldives Space Research Organization. The initiative focuses on the study of seagrass and mangrove ecosystems, exploring their interaction with coastal hazards and their capacity for carbon sequestration.
The project spans three key global locations: the Baltic Sea in Germany, Chausey Island, and the Maldives. Within the Maldives, research is conducted across two sites in Noonu Atoll, as well as at Six Senses Kanuhura in Lhaviyani Atoll.
At the resort, research activities are carried out across the reef flat and lagoon, including seagrass mapping, ecological surveys, and sediment core sampling. These efforts aim to deepen scientific understanding of how seagrass meadows contribute to coastal protection, support marine biodiversity, and store carbon. Findings from the COASTS Project are expected to inform stakeholders in developing evidence-based approaches to seagrass conservation and management.
According to Philipp Schubert, there remains much to be understood about seagrass ecosystems. Through surveys conducted in the Maldives, the project seeks to provide crucial in situ data on seagrass health, extent, and functionality, improving models and supporting the sustainable management of these coastal habitats.
In parallel with its involvement in the COASTS Project, the resort’s in-house marine biologist James Cordery and the sustainability team actively advocate for the protection of seagrass ecosystems in the Maldives. Recognised as vital habitats for marine life and important natural carbon sinks, seagrass meadows remain undervalued. Through guest engagement and educational initiatives, the team works to shift perceptions and foster greater appreciation for these critical habitats.
Alicia Graham, General Manager, noted that meaningful conservation begins with awareness and connection. She emphasised that seagrass is a powerful yet often overlooked force beneath the surface, protecting shorelines and nurturing marine life. Through its collaboration with the COASTS Project, the resort supports research that advances scientific understanding while encouraging a deeper appreciation of these underwater ecosystems.
Through this collaboration, Six Senses Kanuhura continues to champion a thoughtful, science-driven relationship with the ocean—one that prioritises awareness, responsibility, and the long-term care of the interconnected ecosystems surrounding the island.
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