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Beach erosion is a serious problem for resorts in the Maldives, as it
threatens the foundations and house reefs of the islands. At Angsana the
“Ihuru Necklace“ was conceptualized in an attempt to prevent beach
erosion by creating an artificial reef surrounding the entire resort,
just like a necklace. While the structure was never completed, it now
measures 40 meters in length and 2 meters in width. It helps to break
the force of the waves, while providing a home to a great variety of
marine life, from finger corals and massive corals to stingrays, moray
eels, fish, algae and a multitude of other living organisms.
Like the Ihuru Barnacle and Vabbinfaru Lotus, the Ihuru Necklace uses
the principle of “Mineral Accretion” invented by Prof. Hilbertz, Dr.
Pilcher and Dr. Goreau. It is constructed out of steel bars, which are
charged with low-voltage electricity and settled with dead corals, which
in turn attract living corals and organisms. Through calcium carbonate
deposits, the thickness of the steel bars has already grown in places
from 12mm (dia) to a substantial 25cm (dia). What started as a thin
artificial structure has become an impressive permanent natural reef.
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