Growing Support for Reef Restoration

On Friday, May 2nd, we organized a sensitization meeting at Swahili Beach Resort with the goal of updating key members of the Mwakamba Beach Management Unit (BMU) about our pilot coral reef restoration project in Diani. The 2-hour session was attended by 24 BMU members, along with three Reef Rangers, five trainees, and our project coordinator.

The highlight of the morning was the presentation by Swabrina, our only female Reef Ranger, who led the attendees through an inspiring and informative overview of our Swahili Nurseries and the process of coral gardening. She explained how we grow coral in underwater nurseries and later transplant them back to the reef to help regenerate damaged areas. Using photos and videos from our dives, she showed the progress of the nursery and the marine life it supports. She also discussed the many challenges we face, including damage from fishing activity like ring netting and line fishing, and the repeated theft of buoys that mark the 400 m² protected nursery zone. Another concern she raised was the pollution caused by discarded batteries, which we continue to find on the reef—often left behind by spear fishermen who use them for nighttime fishing. She emphasized the importance of the nursery area as a 'fountain of life' — a safe zone where coral and fish can mature, reproduce, and support the broader reef ecosystem. The spillover of mature fish from this protected zone can then be harvested sustainably in surrounding areas.

During the second half of the meeting, our project coordinator, Guido, responded to several questions from the BMU members, helping clarify the goals and methods of our restoration work. He explained that the coral garden was originally a barren, sandy patch with very little marine life—but over the last three years, thanks to the nurseries, the area has transformed into a vibrant ecosystem, now home to schools of fish that use the corals for shelter and breeding. Guido described the many types of marine life that now inhabit the area, each playing a role in maintaining a healthy reef ecosystem. He also explained what coral really is—living animals that feed using tiny tentacles, but which get most of their energy through photosynthesis. At our nurseries, we focus on growing branching coral species, which tend to be more practical, grow quickly and offer great habitat for fish. When asked about the role of technology, Guido shared how essential tools like scuba gear, nursery structures, and artificial reef frames are for restoring what climate change and human activity have damaged. While global warming and coral bleaching are difficult to reverse, coral gardening provides a way to give nature a helping hand. Scientific monitoring and surveys are also a big part of our work, allowing us to measure the growth of both coral and fish populations over time.

The response from BMU members was overwhelmingly positive. Several participants proposed more frequent patrols to protect the nursery and expressed interest in establishing additional coral nursery zones in the future. This would allow more spillover areas between sites, benefiting both fishing and ecotourism activities like snorkeling and diving. Most importantly, this project not only helps restore the reef—it supports the local community by creating job opportunities for boat captains, former fishermen, and Reef Ranger trainees.