In the Caribbean alone, reef-associated tourism generates over $7.9 billion annually from more than 11 million visitors. Coral reefs not only provide a crucial source of income for local communities, but also provide an important ecosystem for life underwater and protect coastal areas from storms and erosion. However, like many reefs around the world, Aruba’s coral reefs are deteriorating at an alarming rate and are at risk of extinction. Local residents often lack knowledge about corals and whilst tourists are eager to learn, opportunities for education are scarce.

TUI Sea the Change Aruba, in collaboration with the ScubbleBubbles Foundation, is dedicated to revitalising and regenerating the coral reefs surrounding Aruba’s DePalm Island. It enhances the awareness and understanding of these unique ecosystems amongst 36,000 tourists and 10,000 school children, fostering a deeper connection to precious marine life.

The initiative includes establishing a coral restoration facility to diversify restoration methods, and expand target species, utilising the latest technology in coral propagation, sexual reproduction and micro-fragmentation.

The on-land facility enhances accessibility to coral restoration and education for local school children and tourists. The project also creates a new experience centre, offering opportunities for locals, domestic and international tourists and school groups to learn about the corals through hands-on learning and engaging in events like Science nights. Visitors can also participate in the various stages of the restoration, such as assisting with micro fragmentation, counting gametes during sexual reproduction, or learning about algae and helping maintain the tanks .Organised tours will allow guests to visit the in-water nursery, outplant corals onto the reef or participate in guided snorkels to explore the underwater world. The project also engages students in beach clean-ups, reef clean-ups and in the coral nurseries.

Additionally, the project involves and educates local authorities and tour operators by organising information sessions and hands-on workshops. These sessions provide participants with knowledge about coral restoration and opportunities to contribute to the restoration efforts. The project is co-funded by DePalm Tours Aruba.