91Â鶹¹ú²ú¾«Æ·×ÔÅÄ

Indonesia hosts 16% of the world’s total coral reef area, making it a critical hub for marine biodiversity. However, by the time the Pulau Hatamin project launched in 2015, the coral reefs around Hatamin Island, near Komodo National Park, were severely damaged by dynamite fishing and overfishing. This destruction led to the collapse of local marine ecosystems, a sharp decline in fish populations, and disrupted the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing. 

Community-Driven Coral Restoration 

Project Pulau Hatamin, founded by Coral Guardian and the Waka Eling Semeton Foundation, contributed to the efforts to address these issues by restoring damaged reefs through coral transplantation. Over 62,000 corals have been successfully transplanted, significantly boosting fish populations and biodiversity. Since the project began, the fish population has increased thirtyfold in restored areas, and species diversity has grown fivefold. Local fishermen have also seen a sevenfold increase in their catch, demonstrating the positive impact of reef protection on their livelihoods. 

The project involves the local community through a dedicated team that oversees restoration, participatory social and biological monitoring, and awareness-raising activities for schoolchildren. Additionally, local fishermen actively monitor fishing habits, while tourists are invited to snorkel and receive firsthand information, fostering sustainable eco-tourism that benefits local economies. 

Expanding Coral Conservation Efforts Worldwide 

The success of Project Pulau Hatamin has led to its replication in regions such as Raja Ampat, Spain, and Kenya. Now, they plan to expand restoration efforts and build stronger partnerships with other coral initiatives, ensuring the long-term protection of vital marine ecosystems worldwide. 

www.coralguardian.org/en/indonesia/