Coral Reef Restoration in Andaman

Why Coral Reef Restoration?

Within just a few decades, our coral reefs have undergone severe damage due to changing water temperatures, ocean acidification, pollution, invasive species and the physical impact of ship groundings and storms.

Reefs are the backbone for several ecosystems underwater. So it is crucial that we rally, work together, and restore health to this integral part of our environment.

By helping restoring coral reefs, we would be:

• Providing breeding spaces for fishes and other marine animals. When fish breeding is affected it lowers the amount of fish for food which many people rely on, as a protein source, ensuring global food security.
• Coral reefs act as hunting grounds for various marine species (as you’d have seen in ocean documentaries). Restoration ensures an ecological balance among marine life.
• They act as a physical barrier between ocean and land, dissipating up to 97% of wave energy, which help mitigate hurricane damage and coastal erosion, while protecting coastal infrastructure.
• Their economic value is estimated at around $9.9 trillion globally every year.

What Will We Do On This Expedition?

Cherish Expeditions has partnered with some incredible organisations in Andaman, namely, Reefwatch India and Lacadives to make sure everyone involved goes home with a transformative experience. While you are there also get PADI internationally certified and be a proffessional underwater Scuba diver and dive anywhere around the world!

The coral restoration process is detailed. So here are some activities and steps the Tribe takes during your time on the islands:

1. Planting nursery-grown corals alongside coral reefs in the oceans.
2. Ensuring that the artificially constructed habitats facilitate further natural coral growth.
3. Buttressing the coral structures with the resilience needed to withstand threats, such as climate change.

Working with the coral reef may be the heart of this expedition, but there are several other holistic experiences included:

1. Being an immersive project, we focus heavily on looking inward during our travels, so mindful meditation is the first step to success.
2. As part of this, we also focus on helping you revitalize your body and mind through a series of wellness workshops.
3. Besides marine welfare, the Tribe volunteers with farmers on their land, to understand and appreciate permaculture or sustainable farming better. So, we hope you’ll be able to use some of these tricks at home or in your office space.

How Do We Contribute Through This Expedition?

You can provide support financially in conduct of the program and even be a sponsor for our conservation activities in the future. We have had several companies participate including Tata Motors, Responsible Tourism Mission Kerala, An initiative by Kerala Tourism, Casino Group of Hotels and few others who partnered with us earlier on our Conservation projects.

Join us in making the planet a better place for future generations!

Dive In & get in touch with us for sponsorships and CSR opportunities

FAQ

Where part of Andaman will this be happening?

This project will be implemented in Chidiyatapu, a district at the southernmost tip of Andaman. The region predominantly has fishing communities and the project team will work with them in restoration of corals. Enclosed by thick forests and dense mangroves, Chidiyatapu is known to be a haven for indigenous and migratory birds. You can also witness the rich biodiversity and a wide range of tropical flora and fauna. Due to the harmful side of the age-old Tourism, The rich coral reefs have been polluted and as a solution, we bring in handpicked conscious campaigners and eco-warriors.