About the project

Coral Hero Komodo is a community-led reef restoration initiative in Komodo National Park, Indonesia. We restore damaged reefs through coral transplantation and ongoing monitoring—working hand in hand with local communities and divers to protect marine life. Our mission is to rebuild healthy reefs, support coastal livelihoods, and inspire more people to care for the ocean

Why reefs matter

Coral reefs occupy less than 1% of the ocean floor yet support about 25% of marine life. They buffer storms, sustain fisheries, and anchor local economies through nature-based tourism.

Heat stress and pollution are pushing many systems past thresholds. Restoration buys time: it stabilizes structure, preserves genetics, and keeps ecosystems functional while climate action scales.

Close-up of healthy coral polyps — Close-up of resilient coral polyps.

How it works

Coral restoration process — Suspended nursery growing climate-tolerant fragments.

Science-Based

Our work is guided by ecological understanding and continuous monitoring. We assess reef health, identify threats, and apply proven restoration methods to support long-term reef recovery

Community-Driven

Local partners guide site selection and care for nurseries, ensuring benefits stay rooted where reefs grow.

Education-Focused

We prioritize heat-tolerant genotypes and shaded microhabitats to improve survival through marine heatwaves.

Sustainable Impact

We prioritize heat-tolerant genotypes and shaded microhabitats to improve survival through marine heatwaves.

From nurseries to thriving reefs

Restoration is more than planting. We stabilize rubble, design microhabitats, and stagger outplants through seasons to improve survival. Each site receives a bespoke plan based on currents, light, and heat history.

Shallow reef crest with waves — Designing with energy and light in mind.

Divers working at nursery — Coral tree maintenance with local partners.

Healthy reef scene — Recovery mosaics attracting reef fish.

Coral close-up polyps — Polyps feeding at dusk — growth in action.

Coral fragments labeled in nursery — Labeled fragments for open-data tracking.

"Every fragment we plant is a promise to the future reef. The work is patient, the results beautiful."

— Field lead, Coral Resurrection