OBLU SELECT Sangeli Partners with Maldives EPA in Groundbreaking Reef Conservation Initiative

Luxury resort commits to protecting marine ecosystems through official government partnership at Rasfari Marine Protected Area

A New Era of Environmental Stewardship

In an unprecedented display of public-private collaboration, OBLU SELECT Sangeli has entered into a transformative partnership with the Maldives Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), marking a significant milestone in marine conservation efforts across the archipelago.

The landmark Memorandum of Understanding, signed on 2 July 2025, positions the luxury resort as a key player in the joint management and monitoring of the Rasfari Reef Restoration Programme, demonstrating how hospitality and environmental responsibility can seamlessly align.

Resilience Against the Odds

While coral bleaching events have devastated reefs throughout the Maldives, Sangeli's marine environment tells a different story. The resort's coral systems have demonstrated remarkable resilience, a testament to years of dedicated conservation work by the resort's expert marine biology team.

The numbers speak volumes: Over 10,000 coral fragments have been successfully transplanted using advanced nursery and frame techniques, creating a thriving underwater ecosystem that continues to flourish despite regional challenges.

Strategic Location, Natural Synergy

The partnership leverages Sangeli's prime positioning just 25 kilometres—a mere 20-minute speedboat journey—from the Rasfari Marine Protected Area. This proximity, combined with the resort's established marine expertise, creates an ideal foundation for meaningful conservation impact.

During the official signing ceremony, Mr Ashraf, owner of OBLU SELECT Sangeli and devoted marine environment advocate, welcomed EPA Director General Mr Naeem to formalise this groundbreaking agreement.

"Working directly with the EPA empowers us to make a deeper impact," Mr Ashraf explained. "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."

Comprehensive Conservation Framework

Under the MoU, Sangeli's marine team will undertake a comprehensive range of conservation activities, including:

This partnership unites the EPA's regulatory authority and national conservation framework with the proven hands-on reef expertise of the Muraka Project team, creating a powerful alliance that will strengthen monitoring practices, reinforce protection measures, and foster long-term ecological resilience throughout the area.

Beyond Resort Boundaries

The initiative extends its impact beyond the immediate partnership zone. Regular visits to Rasfari by the Sangeli team will create positive ripple effects within the resort's own coral garden, ensuring that conservation efforts benefit both protected areas and the resort's immediate marine environment.

Where Luxury Meets Legacy

Nestled on the serene north-western tip of North Malé Atoll, OBLU SELECT Sangeli represents more than just a tropical escape for couples and families. This five-star sanctuary seamlessly blends natural beauty with contemporary villa design, world-class dining through the all-inclusive Serenity Plan™, and unparalleled access to some of the Maldives' most spectacular diving and snorkelling destinations.

The resort stands as a shining example that luxury travel and environmental responsibility are not mutually exclusive—proving that unforgettable experiences can be created while maintaining a lighter ecological footprint and contributing meaningfully to the preservation of our planet's most precious marine ecosystems.

This partnership represents a new standard in sustainable luxury hospitality, where environmental stewardship becomes an integral part of the guest experience and resort operations.