How local communities in Indonesia’s Gili islands are restoring coral ecosystems amid rising sea temperatures

In addition to being home to many aquatic species such as fish, lobsters, sharks, and turtles, corals also store carbon from the atmosphere, help to tackle climate change.

Tourists from around the world flock to Gili Matra, located near Bali. During peak time, the island can welcome a thousand visitors per day. Most came from Bali by fast boat, hoping to enjoy the beauty of Gili Matra’s coral reefs through snorkeling or diving.

About half of the local population, which amounts to 4,871 people, rely on the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour services.

Given the importance of sustaining the local environment to attract tourists, Sukding now actively participates in various coral reef restoration activities in Gili Matra.

Sukding has created artificial reefs with other residents and installed them by diving underwater. “I also make sure that my activities and those of my friends here do not harm the coral,” he said.

In addition to being home to many aquatic species such as fish, lobsters, sharks, and turtles, corals also store carbon from the atmosphere, help to tackle climate change.

About half of the local population, which amounts to 4,871 people, rely on the tourism sector, including hotels, restaurants, shops, and tour services.

Given the importance of sustaining the local environment to attract tourists, Sukding now actively participates in various coral reef restoration activities in Gili Matra.