CTC and Partners Expand Coral Reef Restoration in Nusa Penida MPA
From March 27–29, CTC in collaboration with local partners and supported by the Oceanic Society, successfully installed 100 Reef Stars in its coral restoration demonstration site in Toyapakeh on the western side of the Nusa Penida MPA. Since 2024, CTC and its partners have installed a total of 909 Reef Stars in this restoration site, contributing to the restoration of 545.4 m² of coral reef habitat. This restoration site has been identified as an ideal coral restoration demonstration site due to its damaged corals and suitability for high coral restoration survival rate.
The activity brought together 35 participants from various sectors to support coral reef restoration efforts in the area. This coral reef restoration program is a collaborative effort by CTC to support the Nusa Penida MPA Management Unit of Bali Province (UPTD KKP Bali) in conserving and restoring the coral reef ecosystem in the Nusa Penida MPA.
Participants included representatives from the Nusa Penida UPTD KKP Bali, Terra Segara, volunteers from dive operators such as Purple Dive Nusa Penida, and members of the local community. Together, they took part in every stage of the Reef Stars installation process, including collecting coral rubble, preparing the structures, and deploying them at the restoration site.
The event was officially opened by the head of UPTD KKP Bali, Ketut Aryawan, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in sustaining marine conservation initiatives.
“It is very important for us to collaborate. We hope this coral reef restoration activity can continue as an effort to protect and preserve the ocean. We also hope this activity can be sustained so that its benefits can be felt in the future. We protect the ocean because the ocean is our life,” said Ketut Aryawan.
CTC Senior Marine Conservation Adviser, Marthen Welly, also highlighted the significance of collective action in supporting long-term coral reef recovery efforts.
“This big build expands CTC’s existing coral reef restoration demonstration site in Toyapakeh, Nusa Penida MPA, to 1,000 Reef Stars and 15,000 coral fragments deployed underwater.” said Marthen Welly.
Beyond supporting reef restoration, the activity also created an opportunity for participants to learn more about coral reef ecosystems and the importance of community involvement in marine conservation. Through direct participation in the field, participants experienced firsthand the collaborative efforts needed to restore and protect coral reefs in Nusa Penida MPA.
Priscilla, Founder of Terra Segara, shared her experience participating in the activity. “Being directly involved in the coral restoration process gave us a deeper appreciation of the effort and collaboration required to protect marine ecosystems, especially in the Nusa Penida MPA. We look forward to participating again in the future,” she said.
Through these ongoing efforts, CTC remains committed to strengthening collaborative coral reef restoration initiatives and supporting the long-term protection and sustainability of marine ecosystems in Indonesia.
Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly Photos: Adam Putra/CTC, Wira Sanjaya/CTC
