The Coral Gardeners of Sulawesi, Indonesia

Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and productive ecosystems in the world, providing habitat for countless marine species and protecting coastlines from erosion. However, the coral reefs are facing a serious threat due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Coral restoration is an important step towards saving these vital ecosystems from disappearing forever.

So, what does it take to protect a coral reef? In this exclusive interview with Angger from the GAIAONE Project in Indonesia, we will be diving into how the World’s Coral Gardeners are preserving the ‘tropical rainforests of the sea’.

Angger Asetiti: Coral Restoration Project Manager at Tevana House Reef, Indonesia.

My name is Angger and I grew up in central Java, Indonesia close to the Indian Ocean. I started the coral nursery for GAIAONE Restoration Project and since then, I have managed three different coral nurseries around Tanjung Bira, South Sulawesi, Indonesia.

What Is Life Like As a Coral Gardener?

We set a monthly goal to yearly plan on what we want the target to be. From there, I make day-today activities on what we need to do, and what needs to be done to reach these targets. These activities will depend on the three different coral nurseries, as they are set on different types of topography, coral species, and coral gardening technique. Sometimes we need to work on low tide, sometimes high tide, or slack in between tidal changes.

The activities vary from general coral gardening maintenance, fragmenting and planting new corals, transplanting, and carrying out drupella snail hunts. Drupella snails need hunting in Indonesia to control the population, as they remove the mucus that covers corals, exposing the corals to harmful microbes and coral diseases.

We also believe that education is key, so I also teach the local community how to plant corals and educate the local children about environmental awareness. Another thing I really enjoy is designing underwater planting structures and exploring more techniques in the process!

What Is the GAIAONE Project?

So GAIAONE Project was initiated by my good friend Nori who owns an eco-lodge in Bira. She started this project with trash collection in Bira out of her passion and love for nature.

Nori then hired four local boys to pick up trash around Tanjung Bira Beach five days a week, two hours in the morning and two hours in the afternoon. Since September 2020 these amazing boys have collected up to 18 tonnes to date, and are still collecting! In 2021, Nori contacted me to brainstorm what to do in Bira next in terms of ocean conservation, so I suggested coral restoration, which is exactly what Bira needs.

Since July 2021we have planted 5,127 corals. To help us achieve this number our partners (who have worked with us since the project started) and the local community have been involved in building the coral nurseries. We are a very optimistic small team project who have the same faith in the local community. We hope to make this project into a community effort and believe in the small act of being environmentally aware is a first step in the right direction.

Coral Restoration Techniques

Currently our project consists of existing coral pods, spiders and 1 table rack and 2 Trinity racks for the coral cookie methods. We have also started 2 more nurseries in Dego Dego and Pulau Liukang. As of May 2022 we have planted 1801 corals and hoping to triple this amount by the end of the year!

Coral Fragments are collected from broken coral surrounding the Tevana House Reef dive site and attached to the existing structures. We then conduct coral maintenance work 2-3 times a week to ensure no algae, sponge or other coral threats affect the growth of our corals.

How GAIAONE Project Benefits the Ocean

To our belief in the community effort, we do believe that a small act could make a great impact on those who are involved in the project. We have reached and educated some local residents that are spearfishers, fishermen, boat builders, students, parents, musicians, and many others who resonate and align with our project to raise an awareness towards the importance of the ocean.

We count our progress on how many corals we planted, but we believe that the most important thing is to have more people join the effort in supporting our oceans. So for us, to have reached these people, we do feel that with the existence of this project, people can see, and do believe in baby steps. As with any coral restoration project, this is a mission where things are seen over time, rather than a ‘one-day result’ kind of work.

How GAIAONE Supports the Local Community

The local community in Bira needs a place and direction on where to go. With this project running we give them a place to learn, be involved and initiate a project for themselves. We work by providing them with the support they need such as training, education and sharing the facility we have.

How to Become a Coral Gardener?

We are a project with an open door for people to come and learn. Here at GAIAONE Restoration Project we offer you a chance of a lifetime to learn from Ocean Gardener and immerse yourself with the different knowledge and techniques to restore and preserve coral reefs.

Our Reef Restoration Course gives people the opportunity to learn about underwater coral gardening and the different techniques used at 3 of our different coral nursery sites. Here you will gain knowledge about the rope, spider, and coral cookie methods that are used to promote growth and diversity on our reefs.Coral restoration is an essential process that we must prioritise in order to protect our oceans and the countless species that call them home. By working together to restore damaged coral reefs, we can help to ensure a healthy future for our planet. By taking action now, we can ensure that our oceans remain healthy and vibrant for generations to come.

Website: oceangardener.org & tevanahousereef.com/gaiaonerestorationproject