In the Maldives, a nation of more than 1,000 coral islands formed through dynamic processes involving coral growth and shifting sand, the threat of erosion and climate change looms large. Over 90% of the islands have suffered severe erosion and rising sea levels could render much of the archipelago uninhabitable by mid-century. To counter these threats, researchers are experimenting with innovative ways to capture and accumulate sand naturally, offering hope for sustainable island building and coastal protection.
One notable trial involves the ‘Ramp Ring’—a submerged ring of six geotextile bladders forming a strategic barrier in the En’boodhoofinolhu Lagoon, just south of Malé, the capital. Developed by the MIT Self-Assembly Lab in partnership with local climate technology company Invena, the structure leverages ocean currents to collect sand, passively rebuilding beaches and creating the foundation for new land. Since its deployment in December 2024, visual inspections revealed significant sand accumulation, validating the concept’s rapid effectiveness. Crucially, the omnidirectional design ensures year-round sand capture, regardless of changing monsoon flows that challenge traditional methods.
This approach stands in stark contrast to conventional dredging, which, while effective for rapid land reclamation, has inflicted ecological harm through the creation of seabed ‘dead zones’ and sediment pollution. Growing Islands’ passive structures seek to avoid these damages, though experts like geographer Holly East emphasize the importance of site-specific deployment to maintain natural sand dynamics. To support this endeavor, the research team is developing Littoral, a predictive coastal intelligence system designed to monitor and anticipate sediment movement, helping policy makers and developers manage erosion and plan future interventions.
Supported by organizations such as the National Geographic Society, MIT, Sri Lankan engineering firm Sanken, and resort developers, the project received a critical boost from a US Agency for International Development grant in 2023. However, recent termination of many USAID contracts has spurred a search for new partners. As the Maldives confronts the double challenge of supporting its population and remaining tourism-dependent economy, sustainable, environmentally friendly coastal engineering solutions like the Growing Islands project could prove vital for its long-term survival.
