Save the Mangroves, Protect Life

We are pleased to share an important development in our environmental conservation efforts in Rincón del Mar, Colombia. Thanks to new partnerships and growing community engagement, our project is expanding to include a coral reef restoration component, strengthening both ecosystem protection and local resilience to climate change.

A Fragile Ecosystem Under Threat

Rincón del Mar is home to an exceptional combination of ecosystems, including tropical dry forests, mangroves, and coral reefs. Together, these habitats support remarkable biodiversity and provide essential environmental services to local communities.

However, climate change is increasingly threatening these ecosystems. Rising ocean temperatures have led to coral bleaching and the gradual degradation of local reefs. The loss of coral reefs would have far-reaching consequences, as they:

• Protect coastlines from storms and erosion;
• Provide breeding and feeding grounds for numerous marine species;
• Contribute to water filtration and ecosystem health;
• Support local livelihoods through fishing, tourism, and diving activities.

Protecting and restoring coral reefs is therefore critical for both environmental conservation and community well-being.

Launching a New Coral Restoration Initiative

To address these challenges, local organizations, community fishermen, and international volunteers have joined forces to implement a coral restoration program.

Through a new partnership with the EDF Foundation, our local team Vivac’t, the Colombian Reef Association, and the environmental authority CARSUCRE have launched the first phase of the project: the creation of coral nurseries.

These underwater structures, built from recycled materials, serve as “coral gardens” where coral fragments can grow safely before being transplanted to damaged reef areas.

The restoration process includes:

• Building nursery structures with the participation of volunteers and local teams;
• Collecting healthy coral fragments from identified sites using the knowledge of local fishermen;
• Attaching coral fragments to underwater nursery structures;
• Conducting regular maintenance and cleaning to promote healthy growth.

Over time, these fragments develop into new coral colonies that can be transplanted to degraded reefs, helping to restore marine biodiversity and ecosystem functions.

This work has inspired the local nickname “Jardineros de Coral” (Coral Gardeners), reflecting the dedication of the teams caring for these underwater ecosystems.

Engaging International Volunteers

The project also welcomes international volunteers who wish to contribute to environmental conservation efforts. In March 2026, for example, volunteer Domie joined the program for one month. Under the guidance of Carmelo, Vivac’t’s project coordinator, she participated in the construction of coral nursery structures and their installation at sea.

Through this experience, volunteers gain hands-on knowledge of marine ecosystem restoration while supporting awareness-raising activities within the local community.

Beyond the environmental impact, these volunteer missions foster cultural exchange, shared learning, and strong collaboration between international participants and local fishermen.

Raising Awareness for Long-Term Protection

In addition to direct restoration activities, the project aims to strengthen environmental education and community engagement around coral reef conservation.

Workshops, awareness campaigns, and volunteer activities encourage local residents and visitors to adopt more sustainable practices and become active participants in protecting marine ecosystems.

By combining restoration, education, and community involvement, this new coral reef component represents a significant step forward in our mission to promote environmental sustainability and climate resilience in Rincón del Mar.

We are grateful to our partners, volunteers, donors, and community members whose support makes this expansion possible. Together, we are helping to restore vital ecosystems and create a more sustainable future for coastal communities.