We’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone for our pilot project and the local community. Congratulations to Badi and Omar for successfully completing the specialty course PADI Coral Reef Restoration Diver! These two members of the Mwakamba Beach Management Unit (BMU) and former fishermen from Diani Beach have taken a bold step to transform their careers, joining the small but impactful group of coral reef restoration divers.
With years of experience in the water, the ocean is truly second nature to them. Their exceptional diving skills reflect this deep connection, and they’ve now become true ambassadors of the ocean. Where they once focused on harvesting fish from the delicate reef, they now contribute to its regeneration by growing corals and creating habitats for juvenile fish to thrive and reproduce.
Badi and Omar have seen firsthand the positive impact of our coral nurseries on the abundance and biodiversity of fish. These experiences enable them to share their knowledge with fellow BMU members, raising awareness about the benefits of protecting and restoring marine ecosystems. Their leadership is inspiring others to take an active role in safeguarding our reefs for future generations, therefore we call them our Reef Rangers.
Together with the Mwakamba BMU we have established the first community-managed area (CMA) within the Diani-Chale Marine Reserve. Badi and Omar are at the forefront of this initiative, taking ownership of the reef and playing a key role in its protection. The spillover effect of mature fish from the nursery zone benefits the community, providing a sustainable source of fish for harvesting while ensuring the reef’s long-term health. Their journey from fishermen to ocean stewards is a powerful testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, education, and a shared commitment to marine conservation. We’re proud to have Badi and Omar as part of our team, and we look forward to continuing this project with more members of the local community. Here’s to protecting and restoring our reefs, one coral at a time!
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