Scaling impact with coral restoration: Replicating through partnershIps and simple technology

Posted Jan 19, 2026    Updated at Jan 09, 2026    By admin    Views 13

Tag Climate change B3. Climate Resilient Communities A3. Healthy Productive Fisheries English B1. Food Security & Coastal Levelihood Governance (co-management) A1. Thriving Coral Reefs, Mangroves, Seagrass Beds Case studies Fisheries for food security C1. Good Governance, Effective Leadership & Partnerships Malaysia

This case study details a community-led coral reef restoration initiative in Tun Mustapha Park, Sabah, Malaysia, which utilizes the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) to rebuild degraded marine ecosystems. By deploying "Reef Stars"—hexagonal steel structures coated with resin and sand—the project provides a stable platform for coral fragments to grow, resulting in a significant 20.8% increase in live coral cover and a 30-fold increase in fish biomass within just 15 months. Central to the project's success is its emphasis on local ownership and "simple technology," which allows community members to manage the entire restoration supply chain, from fabricating the structures to underwater installation. This collaborative approach, supported by WWF-Malaysia and Sabah Parks, not only restores biodiversity and enhances climate resilience but also provides sustainable livelihoods and reduces destructive fishing practices through community-led monitoring. Ultimately, the project serves as a scalable model for marine conservation, aiming to establish Malaysia’s first Coral Restoration Roadmap to guide future efforts across the region.