Varadero Reef, a resilient marine ecosystem, thrives despite major pollution and sedimentation, earning it a Hope Spot designation by Mission Blue. Corales de Paz is committed to restoring and monitoring this unique reef with the innovative Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) and citizen science protocols. Our mission engages local communities, promoting sustainable coral conservation. Your support will help safeguard this vibrant reef in the Colombian Caribbean for future generations.
Despite the poor water quality and sediment discharge over the past 500 years, Varadero's coral reef has thrived due to its high coral cover. However, new threats such as coral diseases and rising sea temperatures pose significant challenges. Recent bleaching events have affected a larger percentage of the coral population, threatening both coral cover and species dynamics. Timely implementation of innovative coral restoration strategies is essential to bolster the reef's inherent resilience.
To increase coral diversity in the area and restore the Varadero reef, Corales de Paz, in collaboration with Mars Sustainable Solutions, is working on a pilot project to deploy the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS), also known as reef stars, using coral fragments reared in the nearby Rosario Islands Oceanarium, considered to be heat-tolerant colonies. This strategy aims to increase coral cover and growth, and fish and invertebrates biodiversity, crucial for reef recovery.
Corales de Paz's innovative approach to coral restoration through citizen science and community involvement has shown significant promise. By closely working with local authorities in Cartagena and key stakeholders, we aim to support the declaration of Varadero as a Regional Integrated Management District (RIMD) by providing robust data on the reef's health and training local community members to monitor and restore Varadero.
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