Strengthening Reef Restoration through Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in Nusa Penida MPA
Together with Quicksilver Pontoon, local stakeholders, and volunteers, CTC successfully carried out 300 Reef Star installations in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) from February 10 to 13, 2026. The event, held at Quicksilver Pontoon, was attended by 121 participants. Participants were involved in all stages of the Reef Star (RS) installation process, from collecting coral rubble to installing the structures at the restoration site. Since the first installation event in 2024, a total of 810 Reef Stars have been installed at this demonstration site in Toya Pakeh Village.
The event began on 10 February and was officially opened by Marthen Welly, CTC’s Senior Marine Conservation Advisor, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving CTC’s five-year target of restoring 5,000 m² of reef. The participants included representatives of the Nusa Penida MPA Management Unit of Bali Province (UPTD KKP Bali), Mars Sustainable Solutions (MSS) Indonesia, SMAN 1 Nusa Penida, SMAK 1 Nusa Penida, Nomads, Sanctum EcoHero, Sanctum Dive, Legend Diving, Dune Penida, Terra Segara, Rumah Coral Bali, Pokmaswas Gili Bhuana, Bali Aqua, Purple Dive, Scuba Junkie, and personal volunteers. There were briefings and demonstrations, ensured that all participants understood both the technical aspects of the MARRS method and the broader goals of coral reef restoration. It continued with coral collection conducted alongside representatives from the UPTD KKP Bali, MSS Indonesia, local NGOs, local communities, and dive centers. Over two dives, 20 baskets of coral fragments were collected and prepared for installation in the next days.
“Coral reefs are one of the main conservation targets in the Nusa Penida MPA because they provide habitat for fish, marine tourism attraction and support small island protection. Coral reef restoration helps speed up the recovery of damaged reefs, while MPA management addresses the threats to these ecosystems. Combining effective MPA management with coral reef restoration is an important strategy to protect coral reefs in Nusa Penida. CTC, together with the Nusa Penida MPA management unit, local communities, the private sector, and other key stakeholders supported these efforts in the MPA,” said Marthen.
On February 11–12, approximately 4,500 coral fragments were carefully tied onto 300 Reef Star structures at the Quicksilver Pontoon by participants, demonstrating strong multi-stakeholder collaboration in action. Quality control and underwater installation were jointly led by CTC and MSS Indonesia, ensuring each coral fragment was securely attached and each structure properly connected on the seabed. The dive team then transported and installed the Reef Stars at the demonstration site.
I Wayan Oka Sudiana Astawa, a Teacher of SMA 1 Nusa Penida, reported: “Since 2024, our school has consistently taken part in this program, and each year it brings valuable hands-on experience for our students. Seeing them directly involved in coral restoration makes us proud, as they are learning to care for and protect the ocean from a young age.” “Since 2024, our school has consistently taken part in this program, and each year it brings valuable hands-on experience for our students. Seeing them directly involved in coral restoration makes us proud, as they are learning to care for and protect the ocean from a young age.”
On the final day, CTC team, together with partners, conducted routine monitoring and marked the second year of data collection at the site. Safety and environmental standards were strictly upheld throughout the process of these activities, including adherence to the Green Fins Code of Conduct and established dive safety protocols. These activities provided participants with meaningful hands-on experience in coral reef restoration while reinforcing best practices in responsible marine conservation.
Building on lessons learned from the previous year, the 2026 installation was strategically scheduled during the low tourism season to ensure stronger participation and smoother coordination. Through this expansion, CTC continues to strengthen local ownership, partnership, and science-based action toward resilient coral reef ecosystems as well as strengthen MPA management in the Nusa Penida MPA.
Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Cikal Qalnar
Photos: Adam Putra/CTC, Cikal Qalnar/CTC