The global impacts of climate change are evident for coral reefs: mass coral bleaching and mortality have emerged as ubiquitous responses to the changing climate. Coral reefs provide numerous crucial ecosystem services to coastal communities across the Caribbean. They provide habitat and resilience to fish stocks that local fishermen depend upon, they are an important attraction for tourists and protect islands’ coasts from incoming waves and erosion. On top of climate change, eutrophication and sedimentation threaten reef systems around the Dutch Caribbean. Active protection and restoration of these systems is a priority.
Options for conservation & restoration include:
- Coral conservation can include coral gardening and close monitoring of water quality.
- Target reef restoration
- Coral adaptation
Feasibility & Local Applicability
Coral restoration is already happening in Curaçao and Aruba through local initiatives like Reef Renewal and Scubble Bubbles. These projects show that restoration is feasible when there is community support, technical knowledge, and funding. St. Martin also has potential, especially if restoration is combined with better coastal management and pollution control. Success depends on choosing the right coral species, maintaining nurseries, and monitoring reef health over time.
Co-benefits
Healthy coral reefs support tourism, which is a major part of the economy for many Caribbean islands. They also provide habitat for marine life, helping local fisheries. Reefs reduce coastal erosion and flooding by acting as natural barriers. Restoration efforts can also raise environmental awareness and create jobs in conservation and eco-tourism.
Equity & Vulnerability Considerations
Coral restoration can be more inclusive by involving local communities and diverse stakeholders, especially youth and dive operators. Training programs and partnerships can help build local capacity and ensure that benefits are shared. It’s important to include vulnerable groups in decision-making and provide opportunities for education and employment through restoration projects.
Costs
Medium | Costs vary depending on the scale and methods used. Coral nurseries and planting programs require equipment, skilled labor, and ongoing monitoring. While initial investments can be moderate, long-term maintenance is essential. Funding can come from government programs, tourism revenues, or international grants.
Case studies & Examples
- Scubble Bubbles in Aruba
- Reef renewal foundation curacao
- Reef renewal Bonaire
- Coral nursery Bonaire
- Turning the Tide – Aruba
Literature
- Bairos‐Novak, K. R., Hoogenboom, M. O., van Oppen, M. J., & Connolly, S. R. (2021). Coral adaptation to climate change: Meta‐analysis reveals high heritability across multiple traits. Global Change Biology, 27(22), 5694-5710.
- Bak, R. P., Nieuwland, G., & Meesters, E. H. (2005). Coral reef crisis in deep and shallow reefs: 30 years of constancy and change in reefs of Curacao and Bonaire. Coral reefs, 24(3), 475-479.
- Bayraktarov, E., Banaszak, A. T., Montoya Maya, P., Kleypas, J., Arias-González, J. E., Blanco, M., ... & Frías-Torres, S. (2020). Coral reef restoration efforts in Latin American countries and territories. PLoS One, 15(8), e0228477.
- Debrot, A. O., Henkens, R. J. H. G., Verweij, P. J. F. M., van der Burg, M. P., & Meesters, E. H. (2025). State of Nature Report for the Caribbean Netherlands, 2024: A second 6-year assessment of the Conservation State, threats and management implications for habitats and species in the Caribbean Netherlands.
- Meesters, H.W.G., 2021, Restoration of Resilience of Nature and Society in the Caribbean Netherlands: Veerkrachtherstel van Natuur en Maatschappij in Caribisch Nederland
- Shaver, E. C., McLeod, E., Hein, M. Y., Palumbi, S. R., Quigley, K., Vardi, T., ... & Wachenfeld, D. (2022). A roadmap to integrating resilience into the practice of coral reef restoration. Global Change Biology, 28(16), 4751-4764.
- Van Woesik, R., Shlesinger, T., Grottoli, A. G., Toonen, R. J., Vega Thurber, R., Warner, M. E., ... & Zaneveld, J. (2022). Coral‐bleaching responses to climate change across biological scales. Global change biology, 28(14), 4229-4250.