[UNDP] Divers and Youth Join Forces to Restore Coral Reefs at Curieuse Marine National Park in Praslin, Seychelles

23 participants took part in the activity, including SPGA staff; the UNDP Coral Restoration Project team; local dive operators and members of S.T.O.P Seychelles. Photo Credit: UNDP

To celebrate World Environment Day and World Oceans Day, conservation professionals, dive operators and young ocean enthusiasts came together on Friday 05 June to restore the reefs around the Curieuse Marine National Park. Led by the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) and supported by the UNDP-Adaptation Fund Coral Reef Restoration Project, the activity marked the third large-scale coral mass outplanting event at the site. It was an opportunity to showcase both the growing momentum and collaborative spirit behind reef restoration efforts in Seychelles. 

Scaling Up Restoration Through Collective Action

Designed to outplant hundreds of coral fragments across a targeted reef area, the initiative reflects a shift toward scalable, hands-on restoration methods that complement natural recovery processes. Unlike smaller, routine fieldwork carried out by core teams, mass outplanting events bring together additional trained divers, significantly increasing the scale and speed at which restoration can take place. Throughout the day, teams of divers worked side by side underwater, installing reef structures and attaching nursery-grown coral fragments. 

A total of 23 participants took part in the activity, including SPGA marine and technical staff; the UNDP Coral Restoration Project team; local dive operators (Octopus Dive Centre and White Tip Dive Centre); and members of S.T.O.P Seychelles, including 8 young divers under 18 years old. For many of the young participants, this marked their first time actively contributing to coral restoration. Under the guidance of experienced divers, they assisted in attaching coral fragments and supporting restoration teams, gaining valuable insight into the fragility and importance of reef ecosystems. Following the event, each participant was awarded a certificate of participation for their efforts.

Building Ownership for the Future

Speaking on the importance of the approach, Aishah Fanchette, Scientific Diver at SPGA, highlighted both the practical and strategic value of mass outplanting: “It is particularly effective because it allows us to efficiently deploy large numbers of nursery-grown corals in a short time. Having additional trained hands during these events makes a significant difference in what we can achieve.” 

Beyond the restoration work itself, the event highlighted the importance of community engagement and knowledge sharing, a key pillar of the UNDP-Adaptation Fund Coral Reef Restoration Project. According to Daig Tony Romain, National Project Coordinator, “the involvement of youth is especially valuable. It builds awareness, develops skills, and fosters a sense of responsibility for protecting our reefs. This initiative was an ideal opportunity to bring together local communities, dive centres, and young people.”

Looking Ahead

The mass coral planting event underscores the value of coordinated, multi-stakeholder action in advancing climate resilience for fragile reef ecosystems. Ongoing monitoring by SPGA will be critical in assessing coral survival and growth, ensuring that restoration efforts are both evidence-based and sustainable over the long term. At a time when climate pressures continue to intensify, the progress achieved at Curieuse demonstrates how structured partnerships, technical expertise, and inclusive engagement can deliver tangible results. 

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This story was originally published by UNDP Mauritius and Seychelles