CORAL CATCH
Through Coral Catch we support Indonesian women who, after an intensive training in coral restoration, can take the next step: an advanced course to become a Divemaster. In doing so, they not only deepen their knowledge of the underwater world, but also increase their chances of finding paid work in the tourism sector. As divemasters, they can guide dives and engage a broad international audience with the importance of healthy coral – and how, as a traveller, you can contribute in a respectful and responsible way.
The driving force behind Coral Catch is Dutch diver and conservationist Rose Huizenga. What began with a dive on Gili Air, a small island near Lombok, has grown into an organisation that trains local women to set up and monitor coral restoration projects themselves. Through the Coral Catch Scholarship Programme, they offer an intensive nine-week trajectory in which Indonesian women learn about marine ecosystems, coral restoration and scientific research, while at the same time building their diving skills.
"Thanks to our colleagues at SUITSUIT, Marjolein and Mirthe, we became acquainted with Coral Catch. During their trip to Bali, they visited the project in search of greater meaning in their travels. The visit made a lasting impression: the passion of Rose, the strength of the women, and the sense of connection within the community. One thing was immediately clear: this was something we had to support."
CORAL CATCH SUPERWOMEN
Coral Catch’s mission is to train 100 women as Coral Catch Superwomen by 2030. The goal? To equip women who focus on the full spectrum of conservation work – from daily research dives and mastering coral taxonomy to public speaking, social media crash courses and even welding. Our Coral Catch Superwomen embark on a transformative journey. In just nine short weeks, they emerge not only ready to launch their own NGOs, but also empowered to build them from the ground up.
Participants in the programme are called Coral Catch Superwomen: the first fully female, local coral restoration teams in Indonesia. Their mission is ambitious: by 2030, to have trained and guided a total of 100 Indonesian women towards a career in marine conservation.
During the scholarship, the women follow a broad curriculum – from daily research dives and identifying different coral species to workshops on communication, social media, project management and practical work such as welding to build artificial reef structures.
OUR SUPPORT
The first part of the training at Coral Catch focuses on the essentials of marine ecosystems and the practical skills needed to set up a coral restoration project. A selected group of women is then given the opportunity to take another step with a Divemaster course. This significantly increases their chances of working in the diving and tourism sector: they can organise dives, take tourists underwater and at the same time share their knowledge of coral and conservation with visitors from all over the world.
We support this goal with a donation of €5,040. This enables four women to follow the Divemaster course. The women who, during the marine ecosystems training, show that they are ready for this step (and who pass the selection process) are prepared for a future as divemasters.
