We are starting a new chapter.

After our monitoring in the Philippines, our team conducted a workshop with our local partners on how to rebuild coral reefs. We were lucky to work 10 days with professors and students of the Davao Oriental State University (DOrSU), the team of Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF), and local participants.

Everyone was taken through the theory behind building a reef in the classroom, combined with the practical skills needed to build in the ocean.

The first lesson for the team was to understand how our modular system is constructed. This was done by following a detailed set of diagrams to stack the nauplius, mini bricks, and clamps together to form a mini reef. They went on to create their own reef design by applying the skills they had learned that day 🧱🪸

The following days were spent on the beach building scaled-up reefs using the actual components and tools needed to build in the ocean. This was a great way for the group to understand the weight and size of the modules and how all the parts fit together.

To keep our heads fresh during the heat, we also trained in the ocean. The team learned about site selection and how to map out the area, measure the designated site, mark the perimeter using pegs, and test whether the substrate of the seabed is suitable for anchoring.

Our final lesson involved the coordination of lowering the nauplius from the boat to the seabed and laying them together to create a foundation. This completed the course and rounded off a great 10 days together.

Building strong relationships with our partners is at the heart of everything we do at rrreefs and we would like to extend our thanks to everyone who took part in the workshop 🫶

We can’t wait to see how coral reefs will be regenerated in the Philippines thanks to this team!