Scaling-up Coral Reef Restoration

The body of knowledge in coral reef restoration and the experience of our team members highlight the importance of increasing the scale and diversity of coral reef restoration interventions – the number of transplanted corals, the extension of areas in rehabilitation, the number of trained people, the species and techniques used, etc., if we are to effectively promote and accelerate natural reef recovery and adaptation.

We are working towards scaling-up coral reef restoration by transferring our knowledge and experience in restoration ecology, large-scale coral gardening, implementing large-scale coral reef restoration projects, and engaging reef users – organizations and communities – in the application of science-based reef restoration strategies.

We are proud to report that since our inception (2017), we have:

Launched Más Grande, Más efectivo (Larger is Better), Corales de Paz´s flagship project to promote an increase in the scale of coral reef restoration efforts in Colombia.

Implemented Colombia´s first large-scale coral reef restoration project “Reef for All” in the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, Southern Caribbean, in collaboration with CORALINA, Conservation International and other local organizations.

Raised a stock of 13.000 nursery-grown corals, and by late 2019 transplanted 5000 corals in a hectare of reefs in San Andres and Providencia islands.

Organized six international coral reef restoration training workshops (Maldives, Colombia, Seychelles, and Guam) in large-scale coral reef restoration, resulting in the professional development of 90 people.

Participated in the formation of the Coral Restoration Consortium and the Network of Coral Reef Restoration of the Tropical Pacific (Red PTO).

Created the Reef Repair Diver program to allow reef users to effectively assist scientists, reef managers, and reef practitioners in coral reef restoration efforts.

We take coral reef restoration very seriously. Coral reef restoration is a long-term risky and demanding undertaking that requires sound science, preparation, commitment, and determination. Therefore, we have developed professional training workshops that provide an opportunity to understand current best practices in reef restoration and gain hands-on experience on effective coral reef restoration and other interventions for coral reef conservation. They include a solid foundation on restoration ecology, science-based strategies, and strong technical skills.