New Reef Stars and New Trainers Expand and Strengthen Coral Restoration in Nusa Penida MPA

Beneath the waters of Toya Pakeh Village, 300 Reef Stars were installed to support coral reef restoration in Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA). This latest installation brings the total to 1,000 Reef Stars since restoration work began at the site in 2024.

From August 21–25, the site became a place of collaboration, bringing together local communities, students, dive operators, and conservation partners to contribute to the restoration of Nusa Penida’s reefs. Students from three schools—SMA 1 Nusa Penida, SMK 1 Nusa Penida, and SMA 1 Klumpu—also joined the initiative, bringing the total to 92 participants in a shared effort to restore coral reefs.

Beyond the installation of 300 Reef Stars, the collaboration also marked an important step in strengthening coral restoration expertise. CTC Senior Marine Conservation Adviser Marthen Welly and CTC Bali Portfolio Manager Wira Sanjaya have completed the MARRS Trainer of Training, further strengthening their knowledge and skills to support coral reef restoration and qualifying them to train local communities and partners in coral reef restoration using the MARRS method.

Led by Coral Triangle Center (CTC), the five-day restoration effort was carried out in collaboration with the Nusa Penida MPA Management Unit, Quicksilver Pontoon, Mars Sustainable Solutions, and local dive operators.

With a total of 1000 Reef Stars now installed, the Toya Pakeh demonstration continues to bring together conservation partners, local dive operators, and the next generation of ocean stewards in restoring and protecting Nusa Penida MPA’s coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Writers: Adam Putra, Marthen Welly, Tabitha Rudang
Photos: Tabitha Rudang/CTC