Banyan Tree was founded with the core value of driving sustainable development. We aim to embrace the natural environment, continually striving for stronger social and environmental responsibility. Conservation efforts began in 1996 on Angsana Ihuru, with the first resort based Marine Lab built in 2004 on Banyan Tree, Vabbinfaru, and a second on Velavaru in 2007. Banyan Tree was a pioneer in the Maldives, being the first resort to hire marine biologists to protect, enhance and educate about our reefs.

The marine lab operates under a guiding philosophy of conservation, restoration, education and research. The marine lab consists of a dedicated team of local and international staff, researchers and interns. Marine lab staff conduct and support research to monitor and detect change, to better understand biological and social processes and to inform appropriate conservation and management strategies. Included in our work are numerous activities that guests can join from guided snorkels, marine classes, coral planting to citizen science data collection.