These last few months have been really exciting for Reef Support… In January 2020, we have had the opportunity to begin an incredible journey and partnership with the Indonesia Biru Foundation (IBF).

What is the Indonesia Biru Foundation you might ask?

Indonesia Biru Foundation, based in the paradise island of Lombok, is an independent organization doing coral reef research, restoration and coastal communities development. Their vision is to increase the marine literacy of Indonesian citizens by working together with several local communities to integrate scientific findings for practical use in the field. The founder of IBF, Andre Saputra, just like our own founder Marcel Kempers, is passionate about marine science and notably coral reefs, which makes IBF the perfect partner in marine business!

What about Reef Support?

If you don’t already know (and we hope you do), Reef Support is a company based in the Netherlands with the mission to boost marine biodiversity and restore reefs and shorelines with space technology. Our mission is to work and partner with coastal communities and marine organizations that can take practical action. We help marine efforts and small businesses that rely on healthy reef systems: aquaculture and fisheries,beaches, and ecotourism. We use our technology and expertise to support reef conservation projects around the world.

Why support Reefs in 2021 and beyond?

Coral reefs are not only beautiful marine creatures but are one of the most significant food source for over a billion people worldwide. Reefs not only protect coastlines from erosion but also provide many jobs for local communities. In addition, they are a new medicine source for the 21rst century and promote a value of $9.6 billion USD in tourism and recreation. Unfortunately, we have already lost or severely damaged more than 50% of coral reefs and 85% of oyster beds worldwide. Studies estimate nearly all reefs will be at risk by 2050 unless action is taken now to reduce the threats. These alarming projections are increasingly becoming a major challenge in many parts of the world. At Reef Support, we aim to change that.

So, what does the cooperation between IBF and Reef Support entail?

A lot of interesting things. Through the use of our framework Reef.io, our aim is to help IBF achieve its goal of tracking and monitoring the restoration progress of various coral species, fish biomass and the identification of algae/ invasive species in an effective manner. As part of the ‘Reef Support x IBF pilot, we will focus mainly on the locations of Lombok Utara and Lombok Barat (which are beautiful places that we expect to discover soon) and assess the health of the sites before and after the restoration. However, as everything eventually comes to an end, our collaboration with IBF will stop in February 2022. But first, get out your agendas and highlight this important date: 12th of June 2021. On that day,IBF will start their Lombok Coral Restoration program in celebration and support of the World Ocean Day 2021.

This project is a project very close to our hearts at Reef Support. It isn’t only about helping coastal communities in their effort to monitor and restore the reefs but also about fostering Dutch-Indonesian relations!

Lastly…why not adopt a coral?

If like us you are fond of corals and want to save these beautiful creatures which are so important to our ecosystem, the Indonesia Biru Foundation gives you the opportunity to adopt your own coral spider. And what is even cooler is that they will tag your name personally on it and give you a monthly report of its coral growth!

So… what are you waiting for? Visit https://indonesia-biru.com/ and adopt a coral!