Pacific Resort Aitutaki is proud to announce the successful transition of its coral planting initiative, spearheaded by Joeli Vuadreu, to its second phase. This project, which began as a passion-driven endeavor, has seen remarkable growth and has actively involved resort guests in meaningful environmental stewardship.

Joeli Vuadreu, a dedicated member of the Pacific Resort Aitutaki team, has been at the forefront of this initiative, tirelessly working to restore and protect the coral ecosystems surrounding the resort. Together with a team of engineers working behind the scenes, all play a crucial role in creating the molds where the coral fragments are carefully glued, then ensuring a stable and supportive environment for the coral to thrive. Since the project’s inception, Joeli has taken guests on a unique journey, inviting them to participate in the coral planting process. This hands-on experience has allowed visitors to directly contribute to the conservation of Aitutaki’s pristine marine environment, making their stay not only enjoyable but also impactful.

“I’m glad that each and every one of you made a vital role and a great decision to voluntarily join me in this project,” Joeli expressed in a recent update to guests. His passion for the project and the environment has inspired many, leading to significant contributions in both time and resources.

On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, Joeli successfully moved the first batch of corals to their new location, marking a significant milestone in the project. The corals have shown exceptional growth, surpassing the usual 20 mm per year, a testament to the weekly cleaning efforts led by Joeli, visitors, and volunteers from the community.

“It’s probably how we managed to look after it and clean it every week,” Joeli noted, highlighting the importance of consistent effort and community support.

The project has seen generous donations from guests, including steel brushes, syringes for controlling the crown-of-thorns starfish, musk, wetsuits, and even cash contributions. Joeli extended his heartfelt thanks to everyone involved, saying, “Thank you so much for your kind donations.”

As the project enters its second phase, Joeli and the team at Pacific Resort Aitutaki are optimistic about the future. The continued involvement of guests and the local community will be crucial as they work towards expanding the coral planting area and ensuring the long-term health of the marine environment.

Quarterly updates will continue to be provided to guests, keeping them informed of the project’s progress and the positive impact their contributions are making.

For more information

Jeremy Goodwin

Regenerative Tourism Manager

Email: [email protected]