Mission and History

Our History

Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao (formerly known as Coral Restoration Curaçao) is a non-profit organization that was set up in 2015 by the initiative of Ocean Encounters Diving Curaçao.

After seeing the impact of the work that Coral Restoration Foundation was doing and the success of Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire, Ocean Encounters was keen to bring this work to Curaçao. In June 2015, with the help and knowledge of Ken Nedimyer (founder of Coral Restoration Foundation) and coordination between CARMABI and the Curaçao government, a permit was granted to allow for a reef restoration project. Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao was created.

The work focuses on restoration of the shallow reefs by establishing staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata) nurseries and restoration sites. The project started with 20 coral nursery trees and has grown each year ever since. Today, there are 40 trees and over 15,000 corals have been outplanted back to Curaçao’s reefs.

Our Mission

Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao protects and restores coral reefs in Curaçao by:

  • training, engaging, and inspiring the local and international community through volunteering, educational events, and outreach
  • developing new and innovative ways to restore coral reefs with the support of research collaborators and then sharing this information with restoration projects worldwide
  • demonstrating that through combined efforts, there is still hope for coral reefs

Our Vision

The vision of Reef Renewal Foundation Curaçao is a world:

  • Where knowledge and experience can be shared
  • Where reefs are protected and restored
  • Where reef degradation is halted
  • Where ocean awareness is promoted

Our Core Values

  • Be committed and determined
  • Be accountable
  • Be transparent
  • Be positive and motivational
  • Have integrity
  • Pursue growth and learning
  • Embrace and drive change