Maldives Resilient Reefs is working with the University of Edinburgh in a regional project, South Asian Nitrogen Hub, funded by UK Research and Innovation under its Global Challenges Research Fund to investigate the impact of nitrogen on marine ecosystems such as seagrass and coral reefs. This project is being carried out in seven countries in South Asia – a region that has the highest concentration of nitrogen pollution according to scientists.
In the Maldives, MRR along with the Maldives National University is working to carry out research to understand impact of nitrogen on marine ecosystems, most commonly released through fertilizers and sewage in the Maldives.
Throughout 2023, MRR is carrying out nitrogen enrichment experiments in a coral reef in Laamu Atoll, monitoring water quality, and collecting marine and groundwater samples to test for nutrient concentrations. We hope that this project will help inform sustainable farming practices and island development plans that take into account the impact of these nutrients on the seagrass and coral reefs surrounding our islands.
Supporting Organisations
