CTC recently collaborated with Youthopia to gift young changemakers all over the world with a baby coral to celebrate World Ocean Day.  Founded  by Melati Wijsen from Bye Bye Plastic Bags, Youthtopia is a  learning platform for young changemakers under the age of 25 to learn from each other and accelerate change.

Through this partnership, eight baby corals were adopted and transplanted in the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area in honor of eight young change makers namely: Fionn Ferreira, Steph Evans, Nesha Ichida, Gary Bencheghib, Forbi Perise, Sakshi Khrisna, Rafid Shidqi, and Jasmine Rodman. CTC’s Adopt-a-Coral Program uses the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) method, which utilizes steel structures coated in resin and sand to which locally sourced coral fragments are attached. These “Reef Stars” are then anchored together in the sea bed to form a web-like structure across the destroyed reefs. The Reef Stars provide a strong platform on which the coral fragments can grow and form a reef.  

Through our collaboration with local community groups who help maintain Reef Stars, our Adopt-a-Coral program has demonstrated how everyone can contribute to a well-managed and successful local restoration program, which not only works to restore the ecosystem, but also provides socio-economic benefits to the local community. Youth in Ped Village have access to training programs and direct job opportunities through CTC’s Adopt-a-Coral Program. Additionally, the program provides local students with educational opportunities to teach them the importance of conserving coral reefs for future generations. 

Through our collaboration with Youthopia, CTC is glad to see passionate, inspiring young people be a part of an initiative that brings awareness to the actions of these change makers. Indeed, a little gesture can inspire a sea of people!

Writer: Salai Monica
Photos: Tabitha Rudang/CTC, Youthopia World