Sandals Foundation Launches Initiative To Protect Curaçao’s Marine Ecosystems

The Sandals Foundation has partnered with the BRANCH Coral Foundation to enhance Curaçao’s coastal ecosystems through the Coral Nursery Establishment Project. This two-year initiative will establish and maintain a coral nursery in collaboration with the local government and Sandals Royal Curaçao Resort. Five coral trees will be installed, providing habitat for approximately 1,200 fragments of the endangered staghorn coral.

The BRANCH Coral Foundation, established in 2022, is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of coral reefs around Curaçao. The acronym BRANCH stands for Building Reefs And Nurseries for Coral Habitats, reflecting the foundation’s mission to rehabilitate these vital marine ecosystems.

Coral reefs across the Caribbean face significant challenges due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. These vital ecosystems are essential for biodiversity, storm protection, and the livelihoods of local communities. Jeffrey Speelman, General Manager at Sandals Royal Curaçao, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “The preservation of our island’s beauty depends on safeguarding our coastal resources. This project is about enhancing marine biodiversity, building resilience, and fostering a sense of environmental stewardship within our communities.”

The BRANCH Coral Foundation, which manages four nursery locations in Curaçao, is leading this effort. Each year, the organization grows over 2,000 endangered coral fragments and provides educational outreach to local and international audiences. Max van Aalst, the organization’s Director, expressed his excitement for the collaboration, saying, “Our mission is to work with organizations committed to environmental preservation, and partnering with the Sandals Foundation aligns perfectly with our goals.”

Each coral tree in the nursery will support 80 coral fragments, with 300 fragments being out planted every six months. Over the two-year partnership, the initiative aims to restore approximately 100 square meters of coral reef. To ensure the health and growth of the corals, the project will involve monthly maintenance carried out by BRANCH, a local dive shop, and the Sandals Royal Curaçao Watersports team.

Coral restoration is a cornerstone of the Sandals Foundation’s conservation strategy across the Caribbean. Similar initiatives are already taking place in Jamaica, where two marine sanctuaries house coral nurseries, and in Saint Lucia, where local fishers have been trained to improve coral health. In Grenada, BIOROCK structures and coral trees were introduced as part of a community-driven restoration project. In The Bahamas, Sandals has partnered with the Reef Rescue Network to support the country’s largest coral restoration program.

By combining local expertise, community involvement, and global support, this project highlights the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges and preserving the marine ecosystems that are vital to the Caribbean’s future.