.png)
Four Days for the Reef: Reflecting on CTC’s Coral Restoration Event
- Admin Terra Segara Indonesia
- Feb 12
- 4 min read
From 9–12 February 2026, we had the opportunity to take part in a meaningful coral restoration event organized by CTC in Nusa Penida. Over four days, we learned, reflected, collaborated, and took action — all for the future of the reef.
Here’s our reflection from those inspiring days.
📍 Day One: Setting the Stage at KKP Nusa Penida
We began on February 9th at the KKP Nusa Penida Office in Sampalan. The room was filled with conservation practitioners, partners, and community members — all gathered with a shared purpose.
The event opened with a presentation about the Marine Protected Areas (MPA) of Nusa Penida and several updates that will be implemented this year. It was an important reminder that reef protection is not only about restoration work underwater, but also about policy, management, and long-term governance.
Dekta from CTC then presented the results of the 2025 Reef Health Monitoring, conducted across 14 sites around Nusa Penida. The findings gave us a clearer picture of current reef conditions — where recovery is happening, where challenges persist, and why restoration efforts remain critical.
Tabitha from CTC continued with a session on coral reefs:
Types of coral
Restoration methods
Ongoing conservation efforts
Human activities that impact coral — both directly and indirectly
The day closed with planning for the field activities ahead.
🌱 Our Reflection
One thing stood out clearly.
Some of the participants who had previously joined our scuba dive training and certification programs were noticeably more active and engaged during discussions. They asked more questions. They shared more ideas. They participated more confidently.
We believe this is no coincidence.
There is something powerful about seeing coral reefs with your own eyes. Diving — or any immersive experience that brings people closer to nature — creates what we like to call “the ocean spell.” When students witness the reef firsthand, it transforms curiosity into connection.
And connection fuels action.
This is not about claiming credit as an NGO. It’s about recognizing a truth: when young people are brought closer to nature — through diving or other direct experiences — their imagination, knowledge, and confidence grow. We believe more stakeholders can create similar pathways, in many different ways.
🤿 Day Two: Action at Toyapakeh
The second day began with registration and a briefing on the day’s agenda.
Then we headed to Toyapakeh dive site to collect coral fragments. The focus was on retrieving broken coral pieces that had already been separated from their colonies — giving them a second chance through restoration.
Our young divers joined the mission. For many of them, this was one of their first hands-on restoration dives.
They struggled at times — buoyancy control, cold water, managing equipment — but none of that stopped them. Their determination was stronger than the discomfort.
Prisil and Daniel from Terra Segara Indonesia supported them closely, ensuring safety and making sure no additional harm was done to the reef during fragment collection.
🌊 Our Reflection
Young people are incredibly eager to dive when opportunities are made available.
Not just professional divers — but “baby divers” too.
Events like this create space for beginners to participate meaningfully in conservation. And that experience matters. It builds confidence, technical skills, and a deeper understanding of reef ecosystems.
The more inclusive coral restoration becomes, the stronger the movement grows.
🪸 Day Three: Building the Future of the Reef
On the third day, we shifted from collection to preparation.
We were briefed on how to attach coral fragments onto restoration structures using cable ties.
Carefully, methodically, we secured each fragment — knowing that every small piece represented a potential future colony.
We completed the attachment process before lunch. Afterward, the professional dive team continued underwater to deploy the coral structures at the restoration site.
Watching the structures descend into the sea carried a quiet sense of hope. What looked simple on land would, over time, transform into living habitat beneath the surface.
🌅 Day Four: Finishing Strong
On the final day, we completed the remaining attachment work and gathered for closing reflections.
Four days may seem short.
But in those four days, we strengthened partnerships, shared knowledge, empowered young divers, and contributed directly to reef recovery.
💙 More Than Just an Event
CTC’s coral restoration event was not just about installing fragments onto structures.
It was about:
Learning from reef monitoring data
Understanding the broader MPA framework
Equipping young divers with real-world conservation experience
Strengthening collaboration among organizations
Most importantly, it reminded us that restoration is both technical and emotional.
When people fall under the “ocean spell,” they don’t just learn about coral reefs — they care about them.
And when people care, change becomes possible.
We are grateful to have been part of these four days for the reef — and we look forward to many more moments of collective action in Nusa Penida.
Comments