Learning to Protect the Ocean. Underwater

On 18 and 19 February 2026, we spent two long days underwater in Bunaken National Marine Park doing something that feels both incredibly small and incredibly important at the same time:
planting corals.

Coral reefs take decades to grow. Destruction can happen in seconds. 

Seventy-five coral fragments were carefully attached to a metal structure resting in a shallow lagoon, an area once damaged by destructive fishing practices, where reefs were quite literally blown apart.

This coral transplantation project was carried out in close collaboration with Bunaken Oasis Dive Resort & Spa, one of our long-supporter resort partner. Their commitment with environmental awareness is woven into daily operations and training programmes.

This coral transplantation marked the final project of the resort’s local dive internship programme, giving aspiring dive professionals from local communities direct experience in conservation work. Coral restoration alone will never “fix” everything, but it can become a powerful tool for education, awareness, and long-term stewardship when done responsibly.

Over the past six months Hizkia Rengkung, one of NTTI’s educators have supported these interns with training in marine biology and coral reef ecology, ensuring that the act of planting corals is backed by real understanding, not just good intentions.

Fragments of Acropora

A fast-growing genus that plays a crucial role in reef recovery by providing structure and habitat for countless marine species.

The transplanted reef will be monitored quarterly by Oasis and NTTI to track coral survival and growth, and it will continue to serve as a living classroom, an underwater reference point for future training, awareness programmes, and conversations about reef protection.

The project also involved representatives from the Bunaken National Park Office, reminding us that lasting conservation impact only happens when NGOs, tourism operators, local communities, and authorities work together.