The project on the paradisiacal Caribbean island of Cozumel is committed to the protection and restoration of corals, with the aim of restoring coral reefs and promoting research programs. The program was launched in 2013 by motivated biologists to counteract the death of corals. When the founder first dived in Cozumel, he was horrified by the condition of the corals and has since fought passionately to preserve them every day. And with great success.

Cozumel is surrounded by a reef system over 1,000 kilometers long, the Mesoamerican Reef. It stretches in the Caribbean off the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Honduras and Guatemala and is the second largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef. But the coastal areas are particularly affected by the effects of climate change. Not only does the rise in sea level pose a particular challenge for flat regions, but rising temperatures in particular threaten the aquatic habitat. The increased water temperature leads to increasing acidification and poses a threat to the up to 4,000 different species in the Mesoamerican reef. In addition, the increasingly frequent storms, which cause great destruction underwater and on the coast with strong winds and tidal waves, are a major problem for the already weakened coral reefs.

The underwater world is a complex community of life that is dependent on one another. For example, many fish use the caves and crevices in the reef as hiding places from predatory fish and as nurseries for their offspring. Coral polyps and algae live in a unique symbiosis that gives the tropical reefs their colorful splendor. In addition, small coral polyps are an important source of food for many creatures and are therefore the basis for one of the most complex ecosystems on earth. When the ocean warms, this system breaks down and the creatures die.

This coral death was documented on a large scale between 2014 and 2017. More than 70 percent of the world's reefs were affected. Global warming is also causing water temperatures to rise, which stresses the algae in the bodies of the coral-forming polyps (polyps are small, soft animals that attach themselves to hard surfaces). The algae give the coral its color and when they leave the polyp, the corals bleach and die. This global phenomenon is known as "coral bleaching." Almost 50 percent of the world's coral reefs have already died. If current developments are not stopped, the coral reefs and thus all other animals that live in this ecosystem will probably disappear almost completely in the next 30 years.

The "Coral Reef Restoration" project has set itself the task of stopping the coral death and restoring the corals on the reef with the help of volunteers and donations. About 300 volunteers have already been trained in the art of coral restoration and have helped to create the marine park in Cozumel. There, corals are grown on concrete slabs with cup holders and reattached to the reef under constant care. In a controlled environment, the corals can slowly grow back without being affected by the effects of storms, overdevelopment or diver overload. Volunteers also learn how to maintain coral reefs, counteract contamination and disease, and how to reproduce and propagate them.

The so-called Biorock reefs can be built in any size and shape and increase the settlement, growth, survival and resilience of corals and other marine life to severe environmental stresses such as high temperatures, pollution or storms. This is the only way to avoid coral extinction and all help is needed.

Cozumel, approximately 46 km long and 14 km wide, is a vibrant tourist destination known for its Caribbean beaches, crystal-clear waters, and laid-back atmosphere. The island offers world-class diving spots such as the Palancar Reef and Santa Rosa Wall, stunning nature reserves like Laguna Chankanaab Park and Punta Sur Eco Beach Park, and fascinating cultural sites including the ancient Mayan ruins of San Gervasio. Visitors can also explore the colorful town of San Miguel with its waterfront promenade and the Museo de la Isla, experience local heritage at the Discover Mexico Park, and enjoy one of Mexico’s oldest and most colorful carnival celebrations, held for over 150 years. All of this makes Cozumel a diverse and unforgettable travel destination. The beauty of the reef nowadays attracts divers from all over the world to Cozumel, and there are now over 200 diving schools on the island. The many divers and especially their treatment of the ecosystem also contributes to the death of corals. For this reason, the project carries out educational work and is committed to making diving instructors and divers aware of this problem.

In order to join the restoration efforts, all you need is a diving fitness certificate which states that no medical condition hinders you from diving -  and a bunch of excitement to support, protect and restore an amazing ecosystem! Otherwise, you will learn all the necessary skills at the project site. All diving equipment is provided by WanderWorld Travel, the only thing you require is your own wetsuit, and you're off into the sea!