Dive Desk Champions Coral Reef Conservation at Malahini Kuda Bandos

Dive Desk founder Adam Ashraf shares insights on the importance of protecting coral reefs.

We all love the thrill of diving among colorful coral reefs, but many people know little about what they are actually seeing—or how important these fragile ecosystems are. At Dive Desk, we use every opportunity to raise awareness about the complexity of coral reefs, the threats they face, and the role we can all play in protecting them.

We extend our gratitude to Malahini Kuda Bandos for inviting our founder, Adam Ashraf, to lead a session on Coral Reef Conservation at the resort last night. It was an inspiring opportunity to connect with guests and shine a light on why reefs matter.

The Maldives is a tropical archipelago of over a thousand islands, where more than 99% of its 90,000 square kilometers is ocean. Around these islands, coral reefs form the foundation of life—fringing atolls, lagoons, and shoals with vibrant ecosystems that host a dazzling variety of marine life. These reefs are not only beautiful; they are essential. A quarter of all fish species spend part of their life cycle in reefs, and it is estimated that 80% of the oxygen we breathe originates from the ocean.

Yet despite their importance, coral reefs are under serious threat. Overfishing, pollution, and ocean acidification are driving reef systems toward collapse. Only by understanding how reefs function—and the delicate balance of life they sustain—can we inspire action to curb destructive human activity and safeguard them for the future.

What actions are you taking to help conserve coral reefs? Share your thoughts in the comments below. And if you want to deepen your knowledge, join us at Dive Desk for the PADI Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course or become a Project AWARE Specialist. Together, we can protect the ocean that sustains us all.