Sanctuary Eco Hero: Our 2024 Journey in Bali Conservation & Ocean Protection

As 2024 drew to a close, the team at Sanctuary Eco Hero took stock of a busy and impactful year dedicated to our core mission: protecting and restoring the precious marine ecosystems surrounding Nusa Penida, Bali. Situated in the heart of the Coral Triangle, these waters teem with life but face increasing pressures. Our vision for a world that understands, respects, and actively cares for underwater life fuels our daily efforts in research, restoration, and education.


This past year (leading up to our report compilation as of Wednesday, April 30, 2025 WITA) would not have been possible without the dedication of our core team (Andry, Gilang, Chleo, Tabitha, Rafi, Axel, Adit), the energy of our incredible marine volunteers, and the commitment of our marine internship participants. Together, we've made significant strides in understanding and actively supporting bali conservation. Here are some highlights from our 2024 journey:


Eyes Underwater: Research & Monitoring Highlights (Marine Biology in Action)

Understanding an ecosystem is the first step towards protecting it. Our team consistently spent significant time underwater – averaging 8 hours per week – meticulously collecting vital data on the health of our reefs and the populations of key species. Using scientific methods like Roving Surveys and Photo Identification (Photo ID), we focused on charismatic and ecologically important megafauna.


In 2024, our monitoring efforts successfully identified and catalogued:

  • 49 individual Reef Manta Rays (Manta birostris): Each manta has unique belly spots, like a fingerprint. Identifying individuals helps us understand population size, movements, and health – crucial information for manta ray biology studies and targeted ocean conservation.
  • 9 individual Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas): Tracking these gentle grazers helps monitor their populations and habitat use.
  • 68 individual Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys imbricata): Critically endangered, identifying Hawksbills contributes vital data for protecting these crucial reef inhabitants.


This ongoing marine biology research provides essential baseline data to measure the health of Nusa Penida's marine environment and the effectiveness of conservation actions.


Hands-on Restoration: Rebuilding Reef Resilience (Bali Conservation)

Beyond monitoring, we actively engaged in restoring damaged reef areas. Coral reefs are vital habitats, but they are fragile. Our coral restoration program focuses on giving corals a fighting chance.


In 2024, we achieved significant milestones:

  • Placed 80 Hex Domes: These artificial reef structures provide a stable base for new coral growth in areas where the natural substrate has been damaged.
  • Saved >960 Corals of Opportunity: These are naturally broken coral fragments that would likely die if left loose on the seabed. By carefully collecting and transplanting them onto structures like our hex domes, we give them a chance to survive, grow, and contribute to reef recovery – a core part of practical bali conservation.


Beyond the Reef: Education & Community Action (Ocean Conservation)

Protecting the ocean requires collective action. Our education and outreach efforts aim to raise awareness and inspire change:

  • Training & Workshops: We conducted sessions on Fish ID and Turtle ID, empowering divers and volunteers with knowledge.
  • Plastic Free Paradise Campaign: Through beach cleanups, underwater cleanups, and community talks, we continued our push to reduce single-use plastic on Nusa Penida, striving towards a healthier environment for both marine life and residents. This is a key pillar of our wider ocean conservation goals.
  • Powered by People: The Eco Hero Community (Marine Volunteer & Internship)

None of these achievements would be possible without the incredible people who join us. Our marine volunteer program and marine internship opportunities are the heart of Sanctuary Eco Hero. Volunteers and interns actively participate in:

  • Data Collection Dives: Gathering the photo IDs and survey data mentioned above.
  • Coral Restoration Work: Helping prepare and deploy hex domes and transplant corals.
  • Cleanups & Outreach: Directly contributing to reducing pollution and spreading awareness.

Their energy, dedication, and passion are what truly make our conservation efforts impactful. They are the embodiment of the Eco Hero spirit!


Looking Forward: Continuing the Mission in 2025

While we celebrate the progress made in 2024, the work is far from over. The challenges facing our oceans persist, and our commitment to bali conservation remains steadfast. In 2025, we will continue our research, expand our restoration efforts, and deepen our community engagement, always striving towards our vision of healthy, respected marine ecosystems.


Thank you to everyone who supported Sanctuary Eco Hero in 2024! Your contribution, whether through time, resources, or spreading the word, makes a real difference.


Want to be part of the solution? Explore our marine volunteer and marine internship programs or learn how you can support our vital ocean conservation work in Bali.

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