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GaiaOne Restoration Project

Why choose GaiaOne Restoration Project?

GaiaOne started as a dream to prevent the degradation of the local reef in Bira, Indonesia. But it was the rapid global degradation of all reefs that turned a small dream into a global mission to restore our oceans, remove trash, and empower local communities globally. As a social enterprise, we apply the Ocean Gardener coral restoration techniques to plant nurseries. We're a women led team and we currently have 3 coral nurseries in Indonesia and 1 in Malaysia, using 7 mediums and growing 17 genuses of corals!

Website
gaiaone.org

Reviews

Default avatar
Amanda
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Vacation and Education at the same time!

I originally came for the 4-week coral restoration course and stayed an extra 4 weeks helping out on the coral nursery. I learned so much during my time there and felt like I was able to be way more than just a volunteer. By the end of my time there, I could identify corals and was proficient in restoration techniques taught in the course. I felt like I was really contributing as part of a team and ended my time with lifelong friends. The property itself was beautiful and has delicious vegan and vegetarian options which are hard to find in this part of the world! Overall, my experience was amazing and I have come back to visit several more times.

What was your funniest moment?
Competing about how many corals each of us could plant. Honestly, the relationships and banter are what I love about the program. It feels like a family by the end of it.
Pros
  • Coral education
  • Beautiful diving
  • Friendships
Default avatar
Sjenade
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

GaiaOne Coral Restoration Course

This is one of the most incredible things you can do scuba diving ever! This course is also located in one of the most beautiful places on earth with some of the most crystal blue water you will ever see in your life. As a scuba diver, I had some firsts out here for ocean creature sightings on day and night dives—too many to name here but some include huge trevally, marbled ray,s and grey reef sharks. The coral training is so well-planned and well organized and all of the theory content covered is extremely eye-opening and informative. All activities are carried out professionally and safely.

GaiaOne Coral Restoration is home at Tevana House Reef but includes nurseries at nearby islands and dive sites. I saw coral reef ecosystems absolutely thriving. I also got to contribute to restoring parts of the reef that need it. I learned how to identify corals and proper techniques for planting them that have been tried and tested by the GaiaOne team and I also learned about how humans and our communities are impacting our ecosystems. GaiaOne also drives regular ocean and beach clean up and have collected tons of trash since their inception. I left this course feeling empowered to do what I can as an individual to affect positive change and I feel I now have enough knowledge to help others understand what the ocean means for all of us and what we can do to support it. I would highly recommend anyone attending this course! GaiaOne has worked real hard to curate such a well-rounded experience from food to accommodation to activities to the course and diving itself. Not to mention the incredible people that form the collective beating heart of a project and experience that will surely touch yours.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Stay longer if you can! And don’t be deterred if you aren’t a scuba diver yet. Extend the course and get your Padi Open Water or Advanced Open Water before the training starts.
Pros
  • Course content and all diving
  • People and community
  • Accommodation—food and drinks, location
Cons
  • None

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