Maldives Islamic Bank (MIB) and Crossroads Maldives have launched a coral restoration programme.

The agreement between MIB and Crossroads Maldives was signed under the sea at the coral restoration site.

MIB Managing Director Mufaddal Idris Khumri signed the agreement on behalf of the bank while SAii Lagoon General Manager Alexander Traeger signed on behalf of Crossroads Maldives.

MIB said the purpose of the underwater ceremony was to raise awareness about the importance of the environment and the usefulness of coral reefs.

Under the programme, corals will be planted in the lagoon where the Crossroad Maldives Integrated Resorts are operated and the new coral reef will be named MIB reef.