Soneva Fushi hosted a pivotal event from January 9 to 12, 2025, as part of the Soneva Foundation Coral Restoration programme, bringing together leading marine scientists, conservationists, and finance experts. The gathering, held in the Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, aimed to address the pressing issue of coral reef degradation and explore strategies for large-scale global regeneration.
The event was co-led by Professor Callum Roberts from the University of Exeter and Karen Sack, Executive Director of the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance (ORRAA). It focused on the destructive effects of climate change on coral ecosystems and highlighted the groundbreaking restoration techniques currently being trialed at Soneva Fushi and other locations worldwide.
The dialogue culminated in a powerful joint declaration urging immediate action to prevent the imminent loss of the world’s tropical coral reefs. Experts at the summit proposed a variety of innovative financial models, such as blue bonds and insurance mechanisms, to mobilize the necessary resources for coral regeneration efforts on an unprecedented scale.
Professor Roberts stressed the need for a paradigm shift, advocating for a move away from traditional restoration methods toward a future-focused regeneration approach. This would combine local restoration projects with broader ocean management strategies to ensure the long-term resilience and functionality of coral reefs. Sack echoed this sentiment, underscoring the importance of innovative financial solutions to scale up coral regeneration efforts worldwide.
Dr. Johanna Leonhardt, lead scientist of the Soneva Foundation Coral Restoration programme, shared insights into the damaging impact of marine heatwaves on coral reefs. Despite these challenges, she expressed hope, citing the ongoing coral restoration initiatives at Soneva Fushi, including coral spawning labs and nurseries, aimed at regenerating resilient coral populations.
The declaration issued at the conclusion of the dialogue acknowledged the alarming loss of half of the world’s coral cover in recent years. It also warned that if global warming exceeds 1.5°C, coral reefs could face even greater destruction. However, the declaration also offered a note of optimism, calling for bold, innovative approaches to ensure the survival of coral reefs and the ecosystems they support.
The Soneva Foundation, founded in 2010, continues to drive positive environmental, social, and economic impact through its Coral Restoration programme. Operating the largest coral restoration facility in the Indian Ocean at Soneva Fushi, the programme focuses on both in-situ and ex-situ conservation techniques.
Karen Sack, Executive Director of ORRAA, is a seasoned leader in ocean conservation, sustainable finance, and policy advocacy. She has been instrumental in campaigns to protect marine biodiversity, establish marine protected areas, and combat illegal fishing. Professor Callum Roberts is a renowned marine conservationist, whose work has significantly contributed to the establishment of marine protected areas globally and highlighted the role of oceans in mitigating climate change.
This historic gathering emphasized the urgency of addressing coral reef decline and underscored the importance of collaboration, innovation, and financial commitment to ensure the future of these vital ecosystems.