Brazil advances coral restoration with 3,181 colonies in Bahia and $14 million funding for regional protection

The Corais de Maré project, led by Carbono 14 in partnership with the Federal University of Bahia and the Institute of Artisanal Fishing of Ilha de Maré, has cultivated 3,181 coral colonies on about 7,000 m² in the Bay of All‑Saints, Salvador. Using innovative seedling structures made from polyethylene and nylon, the initiative also runs school programs, beach‑cleaning actions and community workshops, reaching nearly 1,000 direct participants.

Separately, Conservation International Brazil (CI‑Brasil) has launched the Abrolhos‑Trindade + Resiliente program, funded with R$ 14.4 million from the BNDES Socio‑Environmental Fund. Over three years the project will work across roughly 8 million hectares between Bahia and Espírito Santo to strengthen marine protected areas, conduct scientific research, and promote regenerative tourism that supports coastal communities. The effort aligns with existing economic contributions of the Abrolhos region, which generated almost R$ 7 million in tourism revenue in 2024.