Coral Restoration with Reef Renewal Curaçao

This year marks a decade since Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao (RRFC) launched a grassroots initiative to restore coral reefs off the turquoise shores of Curaçao. What began in 2015 as a spark of hope has ignited an island-wide movement combining scuba diving, coral restoration, and eco-diving volunteerism. Dive Curaçao and Dive Travel Curaçao are proud to have supported this vital cause since day one.

As we celebrate 10 years in 2025, RRFC has transformed concern over coral degradation into measurable reef recovery. This milestone highlights the organization’s achievements, underscores the importance of coral conservation in Curaçao, and invites visitors, divers, and locals to take part in the next decade of impact.

A Decade of Tangible Coral Restoration

Over 10 years, Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao has achieved extraordinary results in coral restoration, eco-diving, and community engagement:

• Over 16,000 corals out planted to degraded reef sites across Curaçao
• Eight coral nurseries established at Curaçao dive resorts and public beaches: LionsDive Beach Resort, Avila Beach Hotel, Marriott Beach Resort, Marie Pampoen, Cas Abao, Playa Kalki (Westpunt), and more
• Nine dive sites now benefiting from the restoration of endangered coral species
• 3,000+ corals curated on 67 nursery trees
• 575 divers certified via the PADI Coral Restoration Specialty course
• 700+ visitors introduced to nursery operations through hands-on educational tours
• Six responsible PADI dive shops and three dive resorts collaborating in coral reef stewardship
• Co-funded research programs in partnership with SECORE International and CARMABI Foundation
• Valuable support from local and international donors including MCB Curaçao, Kooyman, PADI AWARE Foundation, WWF-NL, Seacology, Dive Curaçao, and many more plus several generous individual sponsors

According to RRFC, “This milestone is a testament to what can be accomplished when community, science, and conservation unite.” The results speak for themselves.

Why Coral Restoration Matters in Curaçao

Coral reefs are foundational to Curaçao’s environment, economy, and cultural well-being. As vibrant underwater ecosystems, they serve crucial roles:

1. Biodiversity Hotspots
   These reefs are home to countless marine species—fish, sponges, corals and more—functioning as essential nurseries and sustaining local fisheries.
2. Coastal Protection
   Reef structures absorb wave energy, reducing coastal erosion and protecting communities from increasingly frequent storms intensified by climate change.
3. Economic Driver
   With tourism as a major economic pillar, thriving reefs attract divers and snorkelers, supporting dive shops, resorts, restaurants, and more.
4. Carbon Sequestration
   Coral formations help capture and store carbon dioxide, contributing to Curaçao’s role in the global fight against climate change.
5. Scientific Value
   Partnerships with global institutions and local expertise allow for cutting-edge research on coral reproduction and resilience.

Coral reefs in Curaçao are more than scenic attractions—they are natural assets whose preservation is essential for ecological health and economic vitality.

A Community-First Approach to Eco Diving and Conservation

Reef Renewal Curaçao has successfully turned eco diving and scuba diving into vehicles for conservation. Their inclusive approach has fostered a conservation culture across the island, with initiatives such as:

• PADI Coral Restoration Specialty Course
  A transformative educational experience certifying divers—both visitors and residents—to actively participate in coral restoration.
• Resort Nursery Tours
  Interactive, eco-diving experiences hosted at LionsDive Beach Resort and other partners, introducing guests to coral propagation and reef health.
• Hands-On Volunteerism
  Opportunities to assist with coral nursery maintenance, out planting, and data collection—whether you live in Curaçao or are visiting.
• Public Outreach
  Education in schools, social media campaigns, and community events that shine a spotlight on the value of coral conservation.
• Research Integration
  Working with SECORE International and CARMABI, RRFC applies the latest scientific methods to local coral ecosystem restoration, refining best practices for asexual coral propagation.

This strategy of blending eco diving with conservation and community has elevated Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao into a model for island-wide coral restoration.

Sustainable Tourism and Corporate Responsibility

At Dive Curaçao and Dive Travel Curaçao, we believe effective tourism goes hand in hand with conservation. Since 2015:

• 1% of our annual net proceeds are donated annually to RRFC to support nursery maintenance and coral out planting
• Our partner dive operations prioritize reef-friendly practices, including mooring systems and zero-contact diving
• We encourage guests to take part: through voluntourism, PADI restoration courses, and coral sponsorship

These actions reflect our belief that coral conservation is integral—not tangential—to Curaçao’s sustainable tourism model. Healthy reefs attract eco-conscious travelers, support local businesses, and sustain marine ecosystems for future generations.

“Reef Renewal Curaçao is rebuilding more than just coral reefs—it’s rebuilding hope for our island’s future,” says Bryan Horne, Managing Director of Dive Curaçao and Dive Travel Curaçao. “As long as the health of Curaçao’s reefs remains vital to our community, economy, and culture, our commitment to supporting this important work will never waiver.”

The Next Ten Years: Building a Culture of Coral Conservation

Looking ahead to 2035, Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao has a bold vision: embedding coral restoration within Curaçao’s cultural identity. The next decade will focus on:

• Extending coral nursery infrastructure into municipal waterways and public spaces
• Introducing coral propagation education in schools and vocational programs
• Normalizing coral restoration certification as a common offering for dive tourists
• Strengthening partnerships with government, hospitality, and research institutions
• Scaling up coral reef conservation to incorporate reef protection measures into hotels, businesses, and local policies

Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao invites visitors, locals, businesses, and government to step onto the front line of coral stewardship. The organization believes coral restoration is not just a scientific pursuit—it’s a civic responsibility and shared legacy.

“Our first decade has shown what’s possible with passion, partnership, and purpose,” says Tripp Funderbrunk, RRFC Manager. “But the next chapter—transforming conservation into culture—is just beginning.”

How You Can Help: Volunteer, Certify, Donate, Advocate

Celebrate this 10-year milestone by joining Reef Renewal Curaçao’s work:

• Donate to support coral nursery expansion and public education
• Adopt a Coral or sponsor a coral nursery tree under your name or business
• Enroll in the PADI Coral Restoration Specialty course to become part of the solution
• Volunteer in coral out planting or nursery maintenance—open to both locals and visitors
• Book a Nursery Tour through LionsDive Beach Resort or collaborating dive shops
• Spread awareness by sharing your experience and coral conservation stories
• Advocate for reef protection and sustainable marine tourism in your networks

By taking tangible action, every diver, snorkeler, guest, and resident can become part of a movement to safeguard Curaçao’s marine future.

About Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao

Founded in 2015, Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao is a non-profit organization dedicated to coral propagation, restoration, education, and science-based conservation. Working in partnership with global institutions like SECORE International and CARMABI Foundation, RRFC has established coral nurseries across Curaçao, out planted thousands of corals, and educated hundreds of divers through PADI Coral Restoration Specialty certification. 

Follow RRFC’s work and volunteer opportunities at www.reefrenewalcuracao.org

About Dive Curaçao & Dive Travel Curaçao

Dive Curaçao and Dive Travel Curaçao are part of Curaçao’s leading scuba diving and marine tourism network. Offering eco-aware dive vacation services, conservation-centered programs, and world-class diver experiences, the organizations devote 1% of net proceeds to coral reef restoration in partnership with Reef Renewal Curaçao. 

To explore dive vacation options that support marine conservation and future reef health, visit www.divecuracao.info.