Description of environmental benefits
-Expected enhanced protection and restoration of coastal and marine ecosystems: To date, the ‘One Million Corals for Colombia’ project has produced 735,822 new fragments of more than 30 coral species in 12 coral areas of the Colombian Caribbean and Pacific, including the Rosario and San Bernardo National Parks, Tayrona, Isla Fuerte, Utría, Gorgona, and the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve, among others. Of these obtained fragments, 91,191 have been transplanted back to the reef in priority areas for restoration. 38,136 coral fragments were planted in the marine ecosystem of Cartagena, Colombia, in the sectors of Corales del Rosario (18,087), Barú (11,165), Isla Palma (5,644), and Isla Fuerte (3,240). Coralízate is a coral restoration activity that took place between May 25 and June 8, during which 113,136 coral fragments were transplanted and cultivated, exceeding the goal of 100,000 set by the authorities, partners, and communities, according to information from El Universal. (ref 8).
-Expected increased conservation or restoration of ecosystems: The restoration efforts have led to significant improvements in marine biodiversity. The cultivated corals have begun to grow and merge into larger colonies, which can then be transplanted to reefs to restore the ecosystem. "In a year, we will have an entire colony that we can transplant to a reef to restore the ecosystem" (ref 6).
-Expected increased protection of threatened species: The project focuses on reviving critically endangered coral species, such as the elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) and staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis). These species have been grown in nurseries and then transplanted to key locations. "Thanks to the permanent and diverse coral nurseries maintained by the Center, experts were able to identify the exact day and time of reproduction of the nearly extinct elkhorn and staghorn corals, something unprecedented in Colombia" (ref 6)
Description of economic benefits
-Achieved increase of green jobs (e.g. paid employment positions): Involvement of 60 coral gardeners in areas of the Caribbean and Pacific regions of Colombia. (ref 2).
Description of social and cultural benefits
-Achieved increased knowledge of locals about local nature: The project also has a strong educational component, involving training for over 150 people on coral restoration techniques and the importance of reef conservation. This knowledge helps local communities understand the value of coral ecosystems and equips them to carry out future restoration efforts (ref 3, 6).
