Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives (SCSM) is a registered Maldivian non-governmental organisation dedicated to protecting and regenerating coral reefs through applied science, active restoration, education and long-term community stewardship.
Based at Soneva Fushi in Baa Atoll, SCSM operates one of the Maldives’ most comprehensive integrated coral research and restoration programmes. Its work brings together coral spawning and larval rearing, microfragmentation, land- and ocean-based nurseries, large-scale outplanting, ecological monitoring and innovative research designed to improve the effectiveness and resilience of coral restoration.
SCSM works closely with Maldivian communities, schools, government institutions, universities and international institutions in research and development. Alongside reef regeneration, the organisation is committed to strengthening national capacity by training young Maldivians, supporting scientific collaboration and creating practical opportunities for communities to participate in the long-term protection of their marine environment.
Through research, restoration and education, SCSM aims not only to increase the scale of coral regeneration in the Maldives, but also to develop methods, knowledge and partnerships that can support reef conservation and protection across the wider region.
Johanna holds a PhD in coral reef biology and has extensive experience in coral ecology, reef restoration and the management of complex marine conservation programmes. Her work focuses on translating science into practical, measurable conservation outcomes while building opportunities for Maldivian students, researchers and communities to play an active role in protecting their coral reefs.{Expand}
Originally from Bristol in England, Ben holds a master’s in marine biology and arrived with experience from other coral research and conservation projects in Thailand and Malaysia. During his time at Soneva CSM, Ben has worked with and led projects with a wide range of collaborators relating to photogrammetry, coral recruit outplanting, soundscaping, coral taxonomy and more.
He first joined Soneva Conservation & Sustainability Maldives as a Coral Restoration Intern before returning as Dive Safety Officer, where he is responsible for promoting safe diving practices, supporting the development of strong operational diving standards and contributes to all of the coral regeneration techniques at SCSM. He is also proud to provide dive training and mentorship to SCSM’s two Faru Fellows, Vishah and Aishath.
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She brings coral research and restoration experience from Thailand, the Seychelles and her master’s in marine biology to new and exciting restoration projects at Soneva CSM. Here she uses creativity and hands-on training to provide the best educational experience for Soneva CSM’s international group of interns.
Alex’s passion for coral reefs and marine biology began during a visit to the Great Barrier Reef in his early teenage years. That experience inspired him to pursue a career in coral reef conservation and to contribute to the protection and restoration of one of the world’s most important and vulnerable ecosystems.
She coordinated travel and logistics for visiting scientists and interns, managed procurement and inventory, processed reimbursements, organised project documentation, and supported the day-to-day operations of coral restoration programmes. She is passionate about marine conservation and takes pride in contributing to projects that protect and restore coral reef ecosystems in the Maldives.
