OBLU SELECT Sangeli has formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aligning resort-led marine efforts with national conservation goals. This milestone partnership sets the stage for the joint management and monitoring of the Rasfari Reef Restoration Programme.
Despite the widespread coral bleaching events that have impacted much of the Maldives, Sangeli’s reefs have shown remarkable resilience, a testament to the ongoing efforts of the marine conservation team and the resort’s long-standing commitment to reef protection. The coral restoration project has successfully transplanted over 10,000 coral fragments using nursery and frame techniques.
Given the expertise of the Sangeli marine biology team and the resort’s proximity to the Rasfari Marine Protected Area, just 25 km away, or a swift 20-minute speedboat journey, this partnership offers a natural synergy.
The official signing ceremony took place at the resort on 2 July 2025, where Ashraf, owner of OBLU SELECT Sangeli and a passionate advocate for the marine environment, welcomed Naeem, Director General of the EPA, to formally endorse the agreement.
Ashraf said, “Working directly with the EPA empowers us to make a deeper impact. It’s about more than one reef—it’s about coming together to safeguard the future of these vital ecosystems. We are honoured to support this national initiative and to contribute meaningfully to the wider marine environment”.
As part of the MoU, Sangeli’s marine team will actively support reef health monitoring, implement conservation protocols, and engage in knowledge-sharing and capacity-building sessions with EPA experts. By combining the EPA’s regulatory authority and national conservation framework with the Muraka Project team’s hands-on reef expertise, the partnership will enhance monitoring practices, reinforce protection measures, and foster long-term ecological resilience across the region. Regular visits to Rasfari by the Sangeli team will also positively impact conservation efforts within the resort’s own coral garden.
Situated on the tranquil north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli is a tropical escape for couples and families alike. The five-star resort offers an enchanting blend of natural beauty, contemporary villa design, world-class dining through the all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, and proximity to some of the Maldives’ most vibrant diving and snorkelling spots. While also setting a shining example that travel and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, creating unforgettable experiences with a lighter footprint.
