United by Science
Social and ecological studies
The holistic approach of REEFolution requires a good understanding of the ecological, social and economic aspects of coral reef restoration. Healthy corals are important for successful reef restoration, but so are healthy and satisfied coastal communities. This is also reflected in our scientific research, where ecological and socio-economic research are fully integrated. For example, through underwater surveys we monitor how restored reefs help to improve the amount of fish, and through interviews we track how healthier fish communities are utilized and perceived by coastal communities. We believe that such a complete and inclusive approach is best suited to guarantee long-term benefits of coral reef restoration to all involved.
Current
research topics
REEFolution co-executes scientific research by a consortium of scientific institutes led by Wageningen University & Research. National and international students and researchers carry out more than 10 scientific studies per year. A few studies are highlighted:
Heat-resilient intertidal corals for restoration
Global warming is currently the major threat to coral reefs, therefore restoration activities should preferably make use of heat-tolerant corals. REEFolution is studying whether inter tidal corals, which are regularly exposed to heat stress during low tide, can be successfully used to create more heat-resilient coral reefs.
Public perception of reef restoration
For proper embedding of new concepts such as ecosystem restoration in local societies, it is crucial to know the public perception of these concepts, so that appropriate interventions can be designed. Hence, changes in the stakeholders’ views and the public perception of ecosystem restoration are monitored through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews.
Developing cheaper restoration methods
Costly SCUBA diving is typically required for reef restoration. In order to reduce restoration costs, REEFolution is developing a restoration approach that can be performed snorkeling, regardless of tidal regime or location. Depth-adjustable nursery structures that can be deployed and maintained by snorkelers have been designed and are currently being tested in the field.
In numbers
How we take action
The reefolution
blueprint
reef rangers
REEFolution offers a 3-month REEF Ranger program which is aimed to provide practical diving and coral restoration skills to local community members.
Read morereef rangers
coral restoration
Our REEF Rangers actively restore coral reefs using a variety of different science-based methods.
Read morecoral restoration
education
Our REEF Rangers visit local primary and secondary schools to provide marine animal ecology classes aimed to increase local awareness.
Read moreeducation
science
Our REEF Rangers collaborate with international scientists aimed to investigate new coral restoration methods
Read morescience
Dive in & learn what
you can do
The planet needs a healthy ocean to survive and so do we. REEFolution can’t save coral reefs on its own. Our successes are possible thanks to the generosity of our donors.