Coral Guardian: Protecting and Restoring Coral Reefs
What is Coral Guardian?
Coral Guardian is a French NGO, founded in 2012, dedicated to the protection of coral reefs and the communities that depend on them. The association uses innovative participatory conservation methods to restore damaged coral reefs while raising awareness among the general public about their importance.
Coral reefs, although they cover only 0.2% of the ocean surface, are home to 25% of the world's marine biodiversity. They are essential for protecting coastlines and maintaining the livelihoods of 500 million people.
Missions
Participatory Marine Conservation
Coral Guardian rehabilitates coral reefs through coral fragmentation and rigorous scientific monitoring. This approach allows local communities, such as the Indonesian fishermen of Seraya Besar, to be integrated into restoration programs. These populations become key actors in conservation. of their environment.
Awareness
The NGO conducts awareness campaigns, particularly through its “Adopt a Coral” program. Through exhibitions, such as the one presented at the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, Coral Guardian brings the public closer to the issues surrounding coral reefs.
Participation in Scientific Research
Data collected from restoration sites is used to deepen understanding of corals in the face of climate change. Coral Guardian collaborates with scientists to improve transplantation techniques and maximize the return of biodiversity.
Model Replication
Through the Blue Center program, Coral Guardian trains local communities in coral farming. This helps create a global network of coral reef defenders, sharing knowledge and best practices.
Coral Guardian Geographic Areas and Projects
Coral Guardian works internationally to restore coral reefs in strategic regions. Each project is designed in close collaboration with local partners, tailored to the ecological and social needs of the area concerned.
Indonesia: Hatamin Island, Flores
Since 2015, Coral Guardian has been working on Hatamin Island, located in the heart of the Coral Triangle, home to the world’s largest marine biodiversity. The island was heavily impacted by dynamite fishing. Through restoration initiatives, over 70,000 corals have been transplanted, allowing for a significant return of marine biodiversity and an increase in fish catches for local fishermen.
Spain: Punta de la Mona, Andalusia
Since 2020, Coral Guardian has been running a project in the Punta de la Mona Special Conservation Area in the Mediterranean Sea. This site suffers from pollution and the presence of ghost nets. The aim is to decontaminate the area, restore local reefs and raise awareness about the importance of marine biodiversity.
Kenya: Kuruwitu, Kilifi
In 2024, Coral Guardian launched a pilot project in Kenya in partnership with Oceans Alive. Located on the coast of the Indian Ocean, this region is essential for the preservation of local fisheries. The project aims to restore coral reefs, by training women and men from local communities in restoration methods.
Each project includes outreach, scientific monitoring and training to ensure a lasting impact on ecosystems and local communities. Coral Guardian plans to expand its activities to other vulnerable areas to meet the growing demand for coral reef protection around the world.
A Measurable Impact
Since 2015, on Hatamin Island in Indonesia, Coral Guardian has:
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Transplanted over 70,000 corals.
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Increased fish population in restored area by 26 times.
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750 people from the local village made aware of the importance of coral reefs
Since 2018 in the Mediterranean Sea, Coral Guardian and Coral Soul have enabled:
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3 times more fish in 3 years.
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2,000 kg of waste cleaned from the seabed.
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1000 corals repopulated.
Join the Movement
You can support Coral Guardian in several ways:
Adopt a Coral : Help restore reefs by adopting a piece of coral.
Participate in events : Discover the exhibits to learn more about the importance of coral reefs.
Donate : Contribute to projects to protect this vital ecosystem.