The Gili Islands are famous for their turtles, reef sharks, colourful coral reefs, and accessible scuba diving.
But many visitors are surprised to learn that some of the reefs they dive today are the result of decades of conservation and restoration efforts.
Coral reefs are incredibly resilient ecosystems.
Given the right conditions, damaged reefs can recover.
However, recovery often takes time.
Sometimes decades.
In areas where reefs have been damaged by storms, anchors, destructive fishing practices, coral bleaching, or human activity, restoration projects can help accelerate this process.
Today, the Gili Islands are home to some of Indonesia’s most innovative coral restoration initiatives.
From pioneering Biorock structures to community-led coral nurseries, local organisations continue to demonstrate how conservation, tourism, and science can work together to protect one of the most important marine ecosystems in the Coral Triangle.
Why Coral Restoration Matters
Before discussing the projects themselves, it is important to understand why coral restoration is necessary.
Coral reefs face numerous threats:
- Climate change
- Coral bleaching
- Plastic pollution
- Physical damage
- Coastal development
- Unsustainable fishing practices
Even healthy reefs occasionally experience setbacks.
While natural recovery remains the best outcome, restoration projects can help create new habitat, stabilize damaged areas, and improve biodiversity.
Importantly, restoration should never be viewed as a replacement for protecting existing reefs.
Preventing damage is always more effective than repairing it later.
However, when combined with conservation measures, restoration can play an important role in reef recovery.
The Gili Eco Trust and the Birth of Biorock
When discussing coral restoration in the Gili Islands, one organisation stands above all others.
Founded in 2002, the Gili Eco Trust has become one of Indonesia’s most respected marine conservation organisations.
The trust was originally established to help address environmental challenges facing the islands, particularly damage caused by dynamite fishing and boat anchors on coral reefs.
One of its most ambitious initiatives was the introduction of Biorock technology.
What Is Biorock?
Biorock is one of the most fascinating coral restoration techniques used anywhere in the world.
The concept is surprisingly simple.
Metal structures are placed underwater and connected to a very low electrical current.
This current encourages the deposition of minerals naturally present in seawater.
Over time, a limestone coating forms on the structure.
Coral fragments attached to these structures often grow faster and may recover more quickly from stress than corals growing naturally nearby.
The result is an artificial reef that gradually transforms into a living ecosystem.
If you’d like to learn more about the science behind the technology, read our article Biorock Technology Explained.
Today, Biorock structures can be found throughout the Gili Islands and have become some of the most photographed underwater attractions in Indonesia.
Biorocks: An Actual Dive Sites in the Gili Islands
Many divers encounter coral restoration for the first time at the dive site known simply as Biorocks.
Located off Gili Trawangan, the site contains numerous restoration structures that have been colonised by hard corals, soft corals, sponges, and reef fish.
Over the years, these structures have developed into thriving mini-ecosystems.
Juvenile fish use them as shelter.
Turtles regularly visit the area.
Coral colonies continue to expand across the metal framework.
For many divers, Biorocks provides a fascinating glimpse into the future of reef restoration.
It demonstrates that damaged reefs can recover when given the right conditions.
More Than Coral Restoration
The Gili Eco Trust’s work extends far beyond coral planting.
The organisation has also been heavily involved in:
- Installing mooring buoys
- Reef monitoring
- Beach clean-ups
- Marine education
- Waste management initiatives
- Environmental awareness campaigns
Many local conservation successes can be traced back to the long-term efforts of the organisation and the wider island community.
Coral Catch on Gili Air
While Biorock may be the most famous restoration project in the Gilis, it is far from the only one.
Another exciting initiative can be found on Gili Air.
Coral Catch focuses on practical, community-driven reef restoration.
The project works to rehabilitate damaged reef areas while educating both visitors and local communities about coral reef conservation.
Unlike some restoration programs that rely heavily on large artificial structures, Coral Catch places strong emphasis on coral propagation and creating sustainable restoration techniques that can be replicated elsewhere.
The project has become an important addition to the growing conservation network across the islands.
How Coral Nurseries Work
Many restoration projects use coral nurseries.
The process is relatively straightforward.
Healthy coral fragments are collected from naturally broken pieces that would otherwise struggle to survive.
These fragments are attached to nursery structures where they can continue growing.
Once they reach a suitable size, they are transplanted onto restoration sites.
This approach allows conservationists to increase coral coverage without damaging healthy reefs.
It is similar to growing young trees in a nursery before planting them in a forest.
Do Restoration Projects Actually Work?
This is a question marine scientists continue to study.
The answer is generally yes—but with important caveats.
Successful restoration projects can:
- Increase coral coverage
- Create fish habitat
- Improve biodiversity
- Accelerate recovery
However, restoration alone cannot solve the larger problems facing coral reefs.
A restored reef still faces:
- Climate change
- Coral bleaching
- Pollution
- Physical damage
This is why restoration must always be combined with broader conservation efforts.
The healthiest reefs are usually those that are both protected and actively managed.
The Future of Coral Restoration in the Gili Islands
The future looks promising.
Awareness of reef conservation has grown dramatically over the last decade.
More dive centres, tourism businesses, local communities, and visitors recognise the importance of protecting the reefs that support the islands’ economy and marine biodiversity.
New restoration techniques continue to emerge.
Scientific understanding continues to improve.
And many restoration sites now support thriving marine communities that would have been difficult to imagine only a few decades ago.
The Gili Islands have become an example of how tourism and conservation can work together.
Divers come to enjoy healthy reefs.
The tourism industry benefits from those reefs.
And conservation efforts help ensure they remain healthy for future generations.
What Divers Can Do
Coral restoration is not just the responsibility of scientists and conservation organisations.
Every diver can contribute.
Simple actions include:
- Maintaining good buoyancy
- Avoiding contact with coral
- Supporting environmentally responsible operators
- Participating in clean-ups
- Learning about reef conservation
- Sharing knowledge with others
Protecting coral reefs begins with understanding them.