Restoring coral reefs in Kenya during COVID-19

The Kenyan coast is in the midst of a crisis. A combination of safari parks, pristine rainforests and rugged coastal areas make Kenya the ideal touristic hotspot. Unfortunately, the corona crisis has put the area under great economic pressure.

The REEFolution Foundation is for already 5 years battling another crisis in Kenya: overfishing and destructive fishing methods have transformed the colourful, lively coral reefs into a dead rubble fields. REEFolution restores coral reefs in collaboration with local communities in Shimoni, Kenya. Due to the corona crisis, most of our international volunteers and researchers had to return back to their home countries.

We launched 'The REEFolution Covid Campaign' which aims to collect funds (100,000 USD) to educate and certify 10 Kenyan local community members to become 'Reef Rangers'. This will help us to continue our coral reef restoration activities in Shimoni, Kenya for at least another year.
A reef structure overgrown by lava corals, placed by one of the Reef Rangers
Omar and Peter who both got sponsored a diving license. They now work at REEFolution Kenya and joined the Reef Ranger teamCoral reef degradation is a worldwide crisis to both people and planet. 50% of all corals are already dead and up to 90% is expected to be gone by 2050. 30% of all marine species rely on coral reefs. Research and and intervention is very important to protect coral reefs against human impacts.

What will funds be used for?

- PADI (diving license) certificy 10 community members who will become 'Reef Rangers';
- Salaries (1 year) for the reef rangers;
- 200 artificial reefs (construction, material, maintenance costs);
- A boat, engine and fuel (for 1 year);
- Education programs to continue our environmental awareness programs in the Shimoni area and ensure long-term project success.

Why support the REEFolution Foundation?

- Our project operates in a developing country and the project is relatively small, a lot can be achieved in Kenya with a little money, all support helps;
- By supporting REEFolution, you support both people (salaries, education) and planet (coral protection);
- We collaborate with the Wageningen University (the Netherlands) to share our knowledge and insights to improve worldwide coral reef restoration;
- We spend 90% of our financial means locally.

Check out our website: https://www.reefolution.org/reefolution-campaign-2020
Follow our Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/reefolutionfoundation/

Much love and take care in these crazy times.
The REEFolution Foundation

Below you find more photos of our project:
Husna, a local community member in Shimoni arrived at REEFolution Kenya 10 months ago, she couldn't swim. Last month, she got sponsored a diving course and she became a 'Reef Ranger'.

The VR-experience is a REEFolution project that aims to create and share a 360 degrees underwater experience with local community members who have not yet experienced the amazing underwater world.

Reef structure experiment
We investigate which reef structures are most effective and work most efficiently. Material needs, construction difficulty, maintenance costs and coral growth differs each time.