Strengthening Coral Restoration Capacity in the Comoros

Project Overview

In 2025, Mr Bacha Gian Suraj, provided technical tutorship and hands-on training in coral restoration techniques for the Parc National Marin de Mitsamiouli-Ndroudé in the Union of the Comoros. This collaboration took place under the VARUNA AMP Compagnonnage/Tutorat Programme, supported by NatureXpairs and the French Development Agency (AFD). The project was implemented jointly with Coral Garden Conservation (CGC), where Mr. Suraj also serves as Project Manager.

Objectives

The initiative aimed to build local capacity in coral restoration, enabling Comorian marine park staff and community members to:

Construct and install nurseries for coral fragments.
Master techniques of coral fragmentation, propagation, and transplantation.
Monitor growth and health of corals using scientific tools (e.g., photogrammetry).
Establish a replicable model for reef rehabilitation within the Indian Ocean region.

Training & Implementation

Under EMCL’s guidance, participants received a comprehensive blend of theoretical learning and field practice:

Online modules on reef ecology, threats to coral reefs, and restoration principles.
Practical workshops on the construction of nursery frames and the deployment of coral fragments underwater.
Field exercises for the installation of spider-frame nurseries and the transplantation of healthy coral colonies to target reef sites.
Monitoring sessions focusing on growth measurement, fragment survival, and maintenance techniques.

Results & Impact

Successful deployment of multiple underwater nurseries in the Mitsamiouli-Ndroudé Marine Park.
Demonstrated coral growth of up to 2.7× within 10 months, indicating high adaptation and survival rates.
Strengthened local expertise — participants now capable of independent nursery management and monitoring.
Promoted regional cooperation between Mauritius and Comoros for reef restoration knowledge exchange.

Community & Collaboration

The project involved park managers, eco-guards, and local fishers in every stage — from construction to transplantation — ensuring community ownership and gender inclusivity. Women represented 25% of the trainees, empowered as key actors in marine conservation.

Looking Ahead

EMCL and CGC will continue their collaboration in 2025-2026 through the second phase of the VARUNA programme, focusing on advanced transplantation techniques and the establishment of self-sustaining coral gardens across the Comoros archipelago.