A coral reef preservation program in Indonesia

Some ecosystems are called biodiversity hotspots because they concentrate high biodiversity.
They are of particular interest in terms of marine conservation: this is particularly the case of coral reefs.
 
Indonesia, and in particular the Raja Ampa archipelagot, is a global marine biodiversity hotspot, and forms what is considered the most biodiverse marine ecosystem on the planet.

At the heart of the "Coral Triangle",  these reefs are home to : 
- 75% of the world's known hard coral species representing at least 500 species, 
- over 1,761 species of fish, 
- 6 species of marine turtles, 
- 18 species of marine mammals including cetaceans and dugongs,
- 4 species of saltwater crocodiles, 
- and over 699 known species of molluscs. 

These reefs provide a rich and sustainable food source for local communities and support a tourism economy providing livelihoods for many of these communities.

It is partly to preserve this natural wealth that the teams from Planète Mer and local NGO The SEA People are joining forces to restore the coral reefs of Raja Ampat as part of the YAF KERU program. 

          €18 = 1m² of reef restored + 1m² of additional reef protected.
Your help is precious, thank you for your support !

         YAF KERU is supported by Planète Mer and local NGO The SEA People 

For this coral reef restoration program YAF KREU which means coral garden in Indonesian Planète Mer is a technical, financial and scientific partner of local NGO The SEA People.
After an update on restoration activities in early 2024, let's take a look at the method employed, which primarily involves stabilizing the substrate.

Victims of destructive fishing with dynamite or cyanide, for example, some coral reefs in Raja Ampat are now little more than coral debris.                          These dead coral skeletons accumulate and crumble under their own weight down the reef slope.                                                                                                  This avalanche destroys and suffocates healthy reefs downstream, accumulating ever more debris in an endless cycle... Like an avalanche that produces its own snow! 

To prevent this phenomenon, all YAF KERU restoration actions start with a phase of stabilizing this slope by installing galvanized mesh, fixed to the ground and protected at the top and bottom by avalanche barriers. Everything is prepared, welded, cut and ground-milled upstream! 

Thus, the restored YAF KERU reefs can thrive and grow without risk of rockfall. 

                  18 € = 1m² restored reef + 1m² additional reef protected                                                  Your help is precious, thank you for your support 

                YAF KERU is supported by Planète Mer and local NGO The SEA People