Situated off the southeast coast of Bali, the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) spans 20,057 hectares and includes the islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Over the years, the coral reefs along the northern coast of Nusa Penida have suffered significant damage due to irresponsible marine tourism, diseases, coral bleaching, tropical storms, and water pollution.   

Recognizing the urgent need for action, CTC conducted an ecological assessment in 2020, which revealed that some patches of coral in the shallow waters of Ped Village remained intact, showing resilience despite environmental stressors. This discovery made the area in front of Ped Village an ideal site for coral restoration. As a response, CTC launched the Adopt-a-Coral Program to engage individuals, groups, corporations, and other partners in actively restoring the reefs.

As the program progressed, the community in Ped Village became increasingly self-reliant in managing the restoration site, thanks to training and support from CTC. Encouraged by this progress, CTC decided to expand the initiative to Mangrove Point on Nusa Lembongan in July 2023. The expansion was based on a comprehensive survey to ensure the ongoing success of coral restoration efforts within the Nusa Penida MPA.

The program employs the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) method, which involves the use of steel structures coated in resin and sand, known as “Reef Stars.” These structures provide a stable base for locally sourced coral fragments, which are attached and anchored together on the seabed to form a web-like framework over degraded reefs. This method encourages coral growth and facilitates the recovery of marine ecosystems.

To date, a total of 7,005 coral fragments have been planted at our restoration sites. Throughout 2023 and 2024, a majority of the corals were adopted by individuals and corporate partners, including Endress+Hauser, Belmond, Intrepid, and Lotus Hotels. Additionally, the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security adopted corals during the CTI-CFF Learning Exchange for Marine Protected Area Managers.

“I wanted my birthday to have a deeper purpose. Together with CTC, I initiated a fundraising for a baby coral adoption campaign that turned a personal milestone into a collective achievement: 33 adoptions in just 7 days. Thank you, CTC, for bringing this vision to life and making my birthday truly unforgettable!”

– Sasqia Ardelianca, Adopter

By January 2025, in the program’s fourth year, 467 Reef Stars had been installed across Ped Village and Mangrove Point. With each Reef Star holding 15 coral fragments, this initiative has successfully restored over 280.2 square meters of previously degraded reef habitat, fostering the return of marine life to the area.

“After the coral reef restoration through the Adopt a Coral program, in Bali we say Astungkara (according to God’s will), the coral reefs are growing well.”

– I Putu Wayhu Permadi, Member of the Nuansa Pulau Community Group

Routine monitoring and maintenance are carried out by the local community to ensure the integrity of the Reef Star structures and prevent algae overgrowth. Due to these efforts, we are proud to report a remarkable 100% survival rate for our coral fragments.

“Adopt a Coral program has brought numerous benefits, including contributions to ecosystem restoration, support for coral reef conservation within MPAs, generating economic opportunities for local communities, and raising awareness and educating wider audiences about coral reefs.”

– Marthen Welly, Senior Marine Conservation Advisor of Coral Triangle Center

You can be a part of this impactful initiative by adopting a baby coral through our Adopt-a-Coral Program. This program offers a meaningful and sustainable way to contribute to marine conservation efforts in the Nusa Penida MPA. Whether as a gift for a loved one or a personal commitment to protecting our oceans, adopting a coral helps sustain community-led restoration and ensures a healthier marine environment for future generations.

Together, we can restore and protect our reefs. Join us in making a difference today! Visit bit.ly/CTCAdoptACoral for more details.

Writer(s): Adam Putra/CTC, Kayla Azzahra/CTC
Photos: Eureka Amadea/CTC, Adam Putra/CTC