Varuna Project: Results after 12 months of coral reef restoration and protection

One year ago, Réfrigépêche proudly announced its collaboration with the NGO Tany Ifandovana for the launch of the Varuna project. An innovative initiative dedicated to the restoration of coral reefs around Île aux Prunes in Madagascar. 

This 12-month project aims to preserve and restore these fragile marine ecosystems, which are essential to biodiversity and the well-being of local communities.

Why are these corals so important and what role do they play? 

Coral reefs are among the most valuable and diverse ecosystems on the planet. They are home to around 25% of marine biodiversity, despite covering only 0.1% of the ocean’s surface. 

These reefs play a vital role in protecting coastlines from erosion and storms. They also provide a habitat for many marine species and are a source of income for many local communities through fishing, tourism, and other economic activities.

Unfortunately, these ecosystems are now seriously affected by climate change, pollution, overfishing, and many other factors. 

All of these disruptions and threats have led to a rapid decline in coral reefs, jeopardizing marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions of people.

That is why the Varuna project is a solution to these environmental challenges. 

After 12 months of restoration and protection, here are the results: 

Creation of a 1,000 m² coral garden: 

• No fewer than 880 cuttings were transplanted onto the reef plateau using metal structures, promoting growth and achieving a survival rate of 90%.
• An additional 3,200 cuttings were fixed to the outer slope with a cement mixture, 25% of which came from the port of Toamasina.

Transplanted species and return of marine life: 

• The NGO was able to transplant three endangered coral species: Pavona cactus, Pavona decussata, and Porites nigrescens.
• Thanks to the restoration efforts, the biomass of marketable fish increased by 27.6%, marking the return of ecological balance.

Impacts on fishermen and blue tourism: 

• All these efforts have led to a better understanding of the importance of reef preservation among local fishermen.
• The restored site has become a place of discovery and awareness. Visitors can go there to observe the corals and understand their role in the balance of marine life.

The results are more than positive and make it possible to integrate sustainable fishing, responsible ecotourism, and strengthening the resilience of coastal communities.

In addition, fishing communities are involved at every stage: awareness-raising, training, support, and promotion of the site through marine observation tourism. 

This data was collected with the help of Professor Jean Maharavo, a researcher at the National Center for Oceanographic Research in Madagascar.

“Coral reefs are living fortresses, but they are fragile. Let’s protect them.”