The quest to build islands with ocean currents in the Maldives
1 min read
Summary
Self- Assembly, a climate tech start-up that works with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), is testing underwater bags that could capture sand and grow islands in the Indian Ocean to help protect communities in low-lying areas from sea-level rise brought on by climate change.
The 175-metre ring was deployed in December 2024 near the Maldives’ capital, Malé, and within three months had captured enough sand to demonstrate how passive structures could build new land.
Most of the country’s 187 inhabited islands have already had human intervention to reclaim land or defend against erosion, such as concrete blocks and jetties.
However, the government has placed a temporary ban on dredging following damage to reef ecosystems.