Curaçao’s reef restoration efforts has gained new momentum as the Sandals Foundation and the BRANCH Coral Foundation recently carried out an ocean dive to repopulate five coral nursery trees and outplant mature staghorn fragments grown under the Sandals Royal Curaçao Coral Nursery Establishment Project. Since launching in January 2025, the initiative has cultivated approximately 800 endangered coral fragments now being steadily restored to the island’s reefs.

The Coral Nursery Establishment Project aims to strengthen Curaçao’s coastal ecosystems through the cultivation and outplanting of endangered coral species. The recent activity marked an important milestone for the program with the successful outplanting of 25 square meters of restored coral from the BRANCH–Sandals Foundation nursery.

“Seeing these corals thrive in their new home is a tangible reminder of the positive change we can make when conservation meets community engagement and further strengthens our promise to the environment. A key pillar of the foundation's mission is the building of climate resilience through the restoration of coral reefs and fish population to, in turn, sustain the livelihoods of persons who depend on the health of this”, says Heidi Clarke, Executive Director of the Sandals Foundation.

In November, the conservation team, supported by the Sandals Royal Curaçao Water Sports team, installed new bamboo frames and attached 300 staghorn coral fragments. After three dives and coordinated teamwork from seven staff members, all structures were planted. Over the next two years, the bamboo frames will naturally biodegrade, leaving behind a thriving, self-sustaining coral ecosystem. This serves to benefit the marine environment as it is a nursery and habitat for organisms and provides disaster risk reduction, reducing the power of waves as they come ashore.

 Sandals Royal Curaçao’s General Manager, Jeffrey Speelman, joined representatives from the Sandals Foundation and BRANCH Coral Foundation in returning to the nursery, where he participated in the dives and assisted with the repopulation of the 5 coral trees through the placement of 100 coral fragments to repopulate them. These coral fragments will later grow to maturity and be outplanted to continue the process of manual rebuilding of the reef system.

“This milestone represents an important step forward for our partnership,” said Jeffrey Speelman. “Through initiatives like the Coral Nursery Establishment Project, we are not only helping to protect Curaçao’s marine environment but also securing the sustainability of our coastal resources for generations to come.”

For Natascha Borgstein, Chair of Branch Coral Foundation, the partnership has been a success, “BRANCH Coral Foundation is incredibly proud of the growing partnership with the Sandals Foundation. Having the support of such successful organizations like the Sandals Foundation allows us to continue to follow our goal of growing the reef of Curaçao together with as many local and international organizations as possible. If you are also interested in working/volunteering with us, or simply want to learn more about what we do, please visit our website at branchcoralfoundation.com."

As part of the project’s educational and community engagement goals, the team is preparing to launch the PADI BRANCH Coral Restoration Course. Once certified, the Watersports Team at Sandals Royal Curaçao will be able to train guests and offer hands-on coral restoration experiences—further expanding awareness and participation in marine conservation.