This project aims to create a local group of at least 25 participants (students) of different generations (levels) from Cozumel that can help to maintain a coral restoration program in the island. Previously trainned in different levels and tasks, this group of "reef heroes" will participate on preparation of materials and tools, nursery installation, maintenance and participation on trasplantation (1000 colonies), to try to recover a healthy reef patch and its functions.
Coral reefs in Cozumel provide food and protection to many marine organisms as well as environmental benefits. Moreover, they are basis of the economy due to tourism focus on scuba diving. However, coral lost is being accelerated by a combination of human and natural disturbances accentuated by climate change. Although, coral restoration efforts have been intiated in Cozumel, they still remain small, needing more hands working on it, highlighting its importance.
Creating a local group with participants from different generations that develop restoration activities will increase the number of live and healthy coral colonies on the reef, promoting its recovery; will educate a group about the importance of coral reefs and reef restoration; will multiply restoration efforts, bringing hope to the community, and will highlight the importance of the coral reef ecosystem to the visitors.
Recover of reef ecosystem health and recovery of associated species in two reef in Cozumel, promoting the creation of a community coral restoration group ("coral garden nurseries taken care by local heroes").
This project has provided additional documentation in a PDF file (projdoc.pdf).
