Women receive education and support to safeguard Indonesia’s coral reefs

“Changing the world, one woman, one reef, one island at a time.” This powerful motto embodies the mission of an organization empowering women to safeguard and restore Indonesia’s coral reefs. In 2015, Coral Catch was born after its founder, Rose Huizenga, traveled to the Gili Islands. While there, she witnessed the stunning waters of Gili Air Marine Park but also the troubling state of coral reefs. Despite not having studied marine science, Rose possessed a deep-seeded desire to instigate change in marine conservation. Thus, Rose founded Coral Catch, Indonesia’s first all-female coral restoration team.

Coral Catch began as a nine-week scholarship program that was awarded to eight Indonesian women mentored by a local female marine scientist. The comprehensive and interactive program gave the students the knowledge, tools and hands-on experience to successfully restore coral reefs. Today, Coral Catch is more than just a scholarship program. It’s a transformative journey where participants are encouraged to dream big and draw inspiration to share their passion for the ocean with the world. In addition to mastering the technical skills of coral reef restoration, the Coral Catch “Superwomen” acquire leadership, communication and project management skills.

“Empowering women is pivotal for the prosperity and sustainability of marine conservation efforts,” emphasizes Rose Huizenga. “Despite the hurdles they face, women possess unique perspectives and insights crucial for effective conservation endeavors.”

The Coral Catch Superwomen are ocean enthusiasts dedicated to the restoration of coral reefs specifically because of the importance of the species. Beyond their intrinsic ecological value, coral reefs contribute significantly to coastal economies, act as natural disaster buffers and play a pivotal role in various scientific endeavors, including cancer drug research. The team works diligently and craftily on projects. Their restoration efforts employ advanced techniques such as coral reef farming, the establishment of coral nurseries and coral gardening, creating stable habitats for the rehabilitation of damaged or propagated corals.

In 2023, the DreAMBoat Community Fund, an associate-led giving committee of the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, made a $25,000 grant to Coral Catch to support its scholarship program and provide three cohorts of Indonesian women with nine weeks of coral restoration training, scientific diver certification and marine conservation education.

“The generous support we received from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has been instrumental in expanding our reach and empowering more women through training programs. This partnership has enabled us to train additional women, fostering a network of empowered individuals dedicated to restoring coral reefs. Through these partnerships, our participants become catalysts of change, driving progress and inspiring others in their communities to join the effort,” said Rose.

Rose encourages anyone who wants to support Coral Catch to share the story of the Coral Catch Superwomen to help amplify their impact and empower more women to join the cause. “Moreover, we extend a warm invitation to female experts in marine conservation, well-being and entrepreneurship to join our sisterhood and share their invaluable knowledge and experience through masterclasses.

Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a meaningful difference in empowering women and protecting coral reefs.”