The Caribbean is facing increased threats from climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events endangering local communities and economies. Coral reefs, essential habitats that support nearly 25% of the world’s marine life, act as natural barriers against waves, helping to reduce the intensity of weather impacts. However, these reefs are under severe stress. This project seeks to rehabilitate coral barriers using an innovative green-grey approach to ensure long-term coastal resilience for San Andrés Island.
Restoring coral reef barriers with hybrid green-grey reefs to protect San Andrés Island, Colombia
Addressing climate threats with a sustainable hybrid reef solution
This project combines nature-based and engineered solutions to restore coral reefs on San Andrés Island, Colombia, and protect communities and infrastructure from the escalating impacts of climate change.
Project Info
Location
BNC focus
Green-gray infrastructure solution
Funding duration
18 months (2023–2024)
Project Partner
More information
Learn more about the Blue Indigo Foundation project through local news coverage (Spanish articles):
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Building resilient coral barriers with hybrid reefs for coastal protection
The project rehabilitates 3.9 hectares of coral reef barriers by establishing hybrid reefs—concrete spheres seeded with live coral to foster natural coral growth. Led by The Blue Indigo Foundation in collaboration with local communities, this project aims to strengthen coral ecosystems for long-term coastal protection. By expanding reef area, height, and roughness, the hybrid reefs will help shield public infrastructure and ancestral Raizal properties, creating a vital buffer against extreme weather events and marine surges.
The project also includes economic, social, and environmental analyses, which will support the development of a financing strategy to attract private-sector investments. Potential revenue streams include ecotourism and ecosystem service payments.
How BNCFF supports Andrés Island’s coral reef restoration
Support from the Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility (BNCFF) enables the project to establish a robust business model for future green-grey reef initiatives within San Andrés Island and the Seaflower Biosphere Reserve. Through sustainable financial planning and local stakeholder engagement, BNCFF aims to set a precedent for replicating this solution across Colombia’s coastal areas and throughout the Caribbean.
Impacts created
Nature
Restoring coral reefs provides numerous ecological benefits. Coral reefs support 25% of marine life, and expanding these reefs in the Caribbean enhances biodiversity conservation efforts and aids in climate adaptation. This project contributes to sustaining diverse marine ecosystems critical to the global environment.
People
This solution enhances the resilience of coastal ecosystems, supporting the well-being of local communities, including the Raizal people. The restored reefs will act as a natural barrier, offering protection from extreme weather and ensuring the sustainability of marine-based livelihoods on San Andrés Island.
Business
The economy of San Andrés Island, heavily reliant on tourism and fisheries, will benefit from the increased resilience offered by hybrid reefs. Local businesses, including fishers and scuba operators, will experience improved protection for coastal infrastructure while new ecotourism opportunities arise, enhancing climate adaptation and regional economic growth.
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Calls for Proposals
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