WILLEMSTAD – The BRANCH Coral Foundation has launched a new coral restoration project aimed at cultivating brain coral near Porto Mari on Curaçao. The initiative was officially kicked off by Minister of Health, Environment, and Nature (GMN), Javier Silvania (MFK), who personally participated in the micro-fragmentation of the coral.
With this project, the foundation aims to support the recovery of Curaçao’s coral reefs. A newly issued ministerial decree now allows BRANCH to cultivate additional coral species, including the brain coral Diploria labyrinthiformis.
“The first 200 coral fragments are currently being grown in an underwater nursery, where they develop up to 40 times faster than in the wild,” the foundation stated. “They are expected to be transplanted onto the reef within 12 to 15 months.”
The organization is focusing on cultivating coral strains that show heat resistance and disease tolerance—an essential strategy, as many of the island’s 68 coral species are increasingly threatened by climate change and pollution.
In addition to restoration, BRANCH is investing in education. Weekly guest lessons are provided in collaboration with Carmabi Education at nearly every high school on the island. Next month, a new program will begin, training 15 students as Youth Rangers who will actively contribute to reef protection.
BRANCH Coral Foundation has been active on Curaçao for three years and currently operates at six locations. Each year, around 5,000 staghorn corals are cultivated with the support of more than 130 volunteers.