On the coast off Padangbai, the beautiful coral reef is a mesmerising underwater world which attracts divers and snorkellers from far and wide. Like all reefs, it’s one of the most biodiverse and productive ecosystems on the planet. Operating sustainably is vital to protect the natural environment which many tourism-related industries rely on.    

However, as water temperatures increase due to climate change, the reef in Padangbai faces challenges. The algae which live in the coral, giving it its incredible colour and providing it with food, are masters at storing environmentally unfriendly carbon dioxide. But changing sea conditions means they’re abandoning their home - and if they don’t return quickly, the coral is left without its main food source. This results in coral bleaching – where it loses its colour and dies.   

To help tackle climate change and maintain the marine biodiversity of Padangbai, the first phase of the TUI Sea the Change Bali programme was rolled out between 2021 and 2023 in partnership with Livingseas Foundation. During this initial stage, 288 square metres of coral were planted in what was otherwise a desolate seascape. This reef has already grown and is now home to a rich and thriiving marine ecosystem. Tiny coral fragments are attached to steel framed ‘reef stars’ which allow new coral to grow and restore the reef. This helps to increase carbon dioxide intake and mitigate the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon at a rate of 1kg per 1kg of coral grown.    

12 members of the local community were also trained in scuba diving and conservation to help with the restoring and conserving the coral reef and in the bay. By engaging hotel staff and local young people, the project created sustainability champions who can implement what they have learnt within hotels and across the community. 

The TUI Care Foundation has now initiated the second stage of the programme. During this new phase, almost eight times as much coral reef will be planted, covering an area of 2160 square metres. 

In addition to continuing to work with young sustainability champions, a key component of this new stage of the project will be the construction of an offshore pontoon. Visitors with or without diving experience will be able to travel by boat to the floating platform to learn about marine conservation and coral reef restoration. The programme will also develop a reef-planting experience for tourists in collaboration with TUI, to provide 3,600 visitors with an unforgettable and sustainable experience.