Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao Celebrates a Decade of Progress with Major Expansion in 2025

Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao (RRFC) proudly announces the release of its 2025 Annual Report, marking a decade of transformative coral restoration work and a year of unprecedented growth. With the expansion of new coral genotypes, the installation of two additional nurseries, and record-breaking community support, 2025 stands as one of the most impactful years in the organization’s history.

“On behalf of Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao, I am proud to share that 2025 has been a remarkable year of progress and expansion,” said Tripp Funderburk, Manager, Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao. “Together with our dedicated interns, volunteers, partners, and donors, we established new coral nursery locations at Playa Kalki in partnership with Go West Diving and at Cas Abou in collaboration with B Diving and Watersports. These new nurseries bring our total to six active nursery sites across Curaçao.”

Expansion of New Genotypes & Nursery Sites

In 2025, RRFC significantly strengthened both its geographic reach and genetic resilience strategy.

New Coral Nursery Installations

Two new coral nurseries were installed:

Playa Kalki, in partnership with Go West Diving
Cas Abou, in collaboration with B Diving and Watersports

These additions increase RRFC’s network to six active coral nursery sites across Curaçao, expanding the organization’s capacity to propagate and outplant corals at scale.

Genetic Diversity Expansion

A major milestone this year was the introduction of 36 new coral genotypes into RRFC nurseries:

36 new Acropora branching coral genotypes

By increasing genetic diversity, RRFC is focusing on identifying and propagating corals with greater heat tolerance, a critical adaptation strategy as ocean temperatures continue to rise. This effort strengthens the long-term survival prospects of restored reefs around Curaçao.

2025 By the Numbers

2 new nurseries installed (Playa Kalki & Cas Abou)
6 total active nursery locations
87 coral nursery trees propagating coral
36 genotypes of Acropora branching corals added
1,030 scuba tanks used in restoration efforts
2,000+ coral fragments out planted onto Curaçao’s reefs
14% increase in revenues year-over-year
$38,000 raised at the 10th Anniversary “Raise the Reef” event (up from $6,000 in 2024)

These achievements directly enhance reef habitat complexity, biodiversity, and coastal resilience throughout Curaçao.

Intern Program: The Backbone of RRFC

As a small organization with only two full-time employees, RRFC relies heavily on its internship program to execute its ambitious restoration agenda.

In 2025, RRFC welcomed 10 early-career marine biologists from around the world. Interns contributed to:

Daily nursery maintenance
Coral out planting operations
Scientific monitoring
Community outreach and education
Independent research projects

Interns gained hands-on experience in coral propagation and marine conservation science, helping build the next generation of ocean scientists and advocates.

The internship program is made possible through the generous and consistent support of the Circle of Dreams Foundation, whose funding ensures RRFC can maintain six nurseries, conduct weekly snorkel tours, certify students in the PADI Coral Restoration Curaçao course, and monitor reef health outcomes.

Without the support of Circle of Dreams, RRFC could not realize its ambitious restoration goals.

Education & Community Impact

In parallel with restoration work, RRFC expanded its educational footprint in 2025 by:

Delivering specialized PADI Coral Restoration distinctive specialty courses
Leading engaging weekly snorkel tours
Expanding partnerships with local dive operators
Recruiting dedicated volunteers
Providing immersive hands-on training for interns

“These efforts ran alongside our ongoing restoration and outreach initiatives, ensuring a holistic approach to marine conservation education. Through these immersive experiences, we inspired ocean stewardship and expanded community involvement in reef conservation.”

By combining science, hands-on engagement, and tourism partnerships, RRFC continues to integrate reef restoration into Curaçao’s broader marine and dive community.

Celebrating 10 Years: “Raise the Reef”

RRFC’s 10th anniversary fundraiser, “Raise the Reef,” was a resounding success. Hosted at Olas y Copas, the event raised $38,000, a dramatic increase from $6,000 in 2024. This milestone reflects growing community commitment to reef conservation in Curaçao.

A Decade of Gratitude

As RRFC celebrates ten years of coral restoration leadership, the organization extends heartfelt thanks to its supporters and partners:

Ocean Encounters and LionsDive Resort for providing a home base for the past decade
David Fishman of Reef Renewal Foundation International for fundraising guidance
Gold Sponsors MCB Bank and BTC Curaçao
Diego and Nico Vasquez of Olas y Copas
Bianca Figuera for daily hospitality support
Photographers Paul Selvaggio, Turtle and Ray Productions, Archie Luxford-McPherson, and Renee Wouters
Avila Resort and Robbin Vogels
Coral Restoration Project
Bryan Horne and Dive Curaçao
Board Member Andre Seg
Scientific advisors Dr. Valérie Chamberland and Lars Ter Horst (SECORE), and Dr. Mark Vermeij (CARMABI)
Javier Diaz and Faisal Dilrosun (GMN) for securing essential permits

“To all our donors, volunteers, partners, interns, and supporters — a sincere thank you.”

Looking Ahead: Help Us Do Even More

Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao is incredibly proud of what has been accomplished over the past decade. However, the need for coral restoration has never been greater.

With additional funding to expand its team, RRFC could increase nursery capacity, accelerate out-planting efforts, deepen scientific research, and expand community education programs across Curaçao.

Join RRFC in Raising the Reef

RRFC simply couldn’t do this work without you.

If you are able, we invite you to support RRFC’s mission by donating through their donor page. Your contribution directly supports coral restoration, scientific research, intern training, and community education initiatives that safeguard Curaçao’s reefs for future generations.

Together, we are restoring hope — one coral at a time.

Join the Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao Webinar for World Wildlife Day 2026!

On March 3, 2026, celebrate World Wildlife Day by acting for Curaçao’s endangered coral reefs with the Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao (RRFC).

This special World Wildlife Day Webinar – RRFC 2025 Year in Review is your opportunity to:

Learn about RRFC’s mission to protect and restore endangered coral species
Discover the progress achieved throughout 2025
Explore the latest scientific research driving reef restoration
Get an exclusive look at what’s ahead for 2026

Join the RRFC Webinar

Date: March 3, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM (La Paz Time)
Location: Live on Zoom
Register in advance here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_y6X–r-UR1Cskb_yVY_GEw

After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to join the webinar.

Help Us Reach Our $15,000 Goal

We are also seeking support to sponsor this important event and continue our coral restoration efforts. Our goal is to raise $15,000 to protect and restore Curaçao’s reefs — and every single dollar counts.