Varadero is a one-of-a-kind coral reef that, despite facing pollution and sedimentation, has been recognized as a Hope Spot by Mission Blue. Corales de Paz leads its conservation and restoration with the innovative Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS), with the local community as a pillar of the project. Your support will help safeguard this vibrant reef in the Colombian Caribbean for future generations
Scientific studies show that Varadero Reef sustains an average coral cover of around 45% a level rarely seen in such degraded environments earning it recognition as a global Hope Spot. Yet this extraordinary reef now faces threats from coral disease, rising sea temperatures, and port expansion plans that include dredging through the reef. Varadero not only harbors unique biodiversity but also provides vital coastal protection and fisheries for vulnerable communities of the Bay of Cartagena.
This project brings to Colombia the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) for the first time. Using 'Reef Stars'-hexagonal steel structures that form webs across degraded reef areas-it will help stabilize loose rubble and create platforms where corals can grow. Over time, corals overgrow the stars, integrating them into the reef. The objective is to reconnect degraded patches of Varadero, boosting biodiversity and resilience in this unique Hope Spot.
As the first MARRS project in Colombia, this initiative lays the foundation for future restoration, research, and innovation in conserving Varadero. By involving the community throughout the process, it empowers local reef stewards who will carry knowledge and practices forward. In the long term, this builds local capacity to protect the reef while fostering positive change in the vulnerable communities most affected by its potential degradation.
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