Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

Non-profit
·
founded in 2004
Gili Eco Trust
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Coordinator | Sian
Coordinator | Sian
Book with Flex Option! Choose new departure dates or change to a different volunteer program at no extra costs.

High­lights

Hands-on underwater action for our endangered oceans and corals.
Learn in-depth ecology and functioning of coral reef ecosystems.
Help identify & rescue broken corals by planting them using unique Biorock technology.
Become a certified Ocean Quest Coral Propagator.
Become certified in a globally recognized coral reef health monitoring & research method.
Learn how to successfully restore damaged coral reefs using Biorock technology. Learn how to monitor and assess reef health using Reef Check methods. This volunteer program is especially suitable for:
Age 18+
Singles
Couples
Groups

We run marine volunteer internships throughout the year which start with our ‘zero to hero’ 4 week intensive workshop in marine restoration, we run 6 of these courses every year. This course combines knowledge, lectures, theory, dives, and practical Biorock reef building and maintenance through a 4 week course where you will gain:

  • Reef Check Eco Diver certification 
  • PADI Introduction to Biorock reef technology speciality 
  • Ocean Quest Coral Propagation certification

The first week of the course consists of detailed marine species identification and substrate identification in preparation for the Reef Check training and surveys. Reef Check is a scientific transect survey which is globally recognised globally

·         It gives a great insight into the functioning of a healthy coral reef ecosystem

·         Extensive identification training dives,

·         At least two surveys on the reefs around Gilis that we’ve been monitoring for over a decade.

·         Get a Reef Check eco pack incl. dry bag, Tshirt, USB key, underwater slates

 

 

The second week is the start of the course Introduction to Biorock technology. A unique solution to restoring damaged coral reefs.

·         Learn the science behind electric reefs

·         Learn why it’s more efficient than other forms of reef restoration on the Gilis

·         Work with the team of divers to learn how to maintain, set up and work on a Biorock

·         Transplant broken fragments of corals from damaged reefs

·         Spot and mitigate the problem with coral predators

·         Get a Coral Gardener T-shirt

Throughout the 2 week course, you will dive twice a day every day (apart from Sunday – which is a day off to explore the island) and then have a lecture, or theory or Biorock maintenance in the afternoons. This is roughly from 8am - 4:30pm each day with a break for lunch.

 

The third week is all about orientation. We’ll introduce you to all of the Gili Eco Trust projects and how you’ll integrate your energy and time into each of them and schedule your volunteering time.

·         Meet the team

·         RE-cycle tour

·         Biorock Eco Snorkel tour

·         Debris Free Friday waste training

·         Waste Processing & Management training

·         Biorock checks & Maintenance

·         Long-term environmental surveying training

 

The fourth week is all about applying these methods in practice and completing the Ocean Quest Coral Propagation and monitoring course. With this training, you’ll be able to continue monitoring our nurseries that have been established since 2018.

·         Coral ecology and reproduction training

·         Coral propagation methodology

·         Nursery maintenance 

·         Nursery monitoring project (via SCUBA and snorkelling) 

 

When you've completed the training, you'll be fully immersed in many of the projects that we have been running long-term. It brings great experience in how small tropical islands are managed (and indeed mismanaged!) whilst observing the cultural differences and promoting eco-tourism.

Typical day

Starting with the first 2-week dive training:


8:30 dive set up
9:00 dive to the Biorocks
10:30 coffee break
11:00 dive to the Biorocks
1pm lunch
2pm theory/maintenance/repairs
4pm finish

And after the training course is complete you will be participating and conducting in any number of the activities below (season dependant)

Monthly Reef check dives
Daily Biorock snorkel tours with tourists
Biorock maintenance and cable rewiring on land
Biorock weekly snorkel checks
Coral Nursery maintenance and monitoring
Biorock maintenance dives and repairs
Research assistant to marine researchers
MPA and surface buoy management and monitoring
Anchor survey counts on the beach
Turtle nest watch (April - September only)
Weekly beach clean at Debris Free Friday

Free-time activities

Whilst Gili Trawangan is being fast recognized as the party central of Indonesia, there are plenty of free time activities to be getting on with that doesn't involve alcohol. 


  • Yoga
  • Freediving
  • Golf & Virtual golf
  • Gym & fitness
  • Eco paddleboard safaris
  • Sunset horse riding
  • Snorkelling 
  • Swimming
  • Eco movie nights
  • Sunsets
  • Volcano hikes
  • Boat tours
  • Lombok waterfall excursions
  • Paddleboarding
  • Water sports

Water Sports
Swimming
Sightseeing
Diving/
Snorkling
Shopping/
Souvenirs
Hiking
Sports
Riding
Yoga/
Meditation

Require­ments

In order to join the program you need to be at least 18 years old on the program start date. There might be exemptions if you can provide the permission of your legal guardian(s) or if your are accompanied by your parents.
Language Skills
You need to speak English (fluently)
Nationality Restrictions
No restrictions. Helping hands from all over the world are welcome.
Other Skills
REQUIRED BEFORE YOU START THE TRAINING

PADI Advanced Open Water (or equivalent)
- you can complete this at the same dive shop if you arrive a week in advance.
** Additional charges apply**

- 20 dives logged to ensure you have good buoyancy and skills underwater
Time Commitment
Your helping hand will be required on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 08:30 - 16:00

What's Included

Services by Gili Eco Trust
Prices can vary due to the exchange rate. 
15% Deposit to secure your place via Volunteer World. 
Remaining to be paid on-site in local currency Indonesian Rupiah: 17,000,000IDR (cash/PayPal/CC)

Included:

  • 2 dives every day for Weeks 1 & 2 (apart from Sunday – which is a day off to explore the island)
  • All scuba diving equipment (excluding dive computer)
  • Biorock maintenance and theory in the afternoons
  • All reading materials
  • Reef Check eco pack incl. dry bag, Tshirt, USB key, underwater slates
  • Protective equipment for underwater gardening
  • Applicable underwater experiences such as coral gardening, removal of coral predators and underwater clean-ups
  • PADI Distinctive speciality: Introduction to Biorock Process
  • REEF CHECK Eco Diver certification
  • Ocean Quest Coral Propagation certification



Divers MUST be a minimum Padi Advanced with at least 20 dives. This is to ensure you have sufficient buoyancy skills as we are working very close to the reef and picking up heavy corals, unlike regular recreational diving. However, if you are not yet certified, no problem! You can arrive on site a little earlier to complete your PADI dive training. (additional fees for SCUBA certifications apply)

Internet Access
Limited access at the project site
What's NOT included?
Visa, flights, travel insurance or vaccinations are NOT included in the program fees. An airport pickup isn't included within the program fees either. Please arrange your own accommodation. Food, snacks or beverages are at extra costs.
Flight Tickets
The nearest airport is Lombok International Airport (LOP) in Praya. We assist you to find cheap flights to Indonesia.
Travel Insurance
Going abroad is an adventure and it is always best to be prepared. Sudden illness or injury, cancellation or theft - a travel insurance for Indonesia provides security and is a plus to have.
Vaccines
If you are intending to volunteer in Indonesia you should seek medical advice before starting your social journey. Check your required vaccinations for Indonesia.

Dates & Fees

NO CREDIT CARD FEES

Details on arrival

2023 Course Date Starts:

13th February ** SOLD OUT ** 

10th April ** SOLD OUT **

15th May

3rd July

2nd October

6th November



Our start date for the Intro-training is always a Monday, but it is nice to arrive a few days early to get used to the island, enjoy some free time and find somewhere to stay. We have many recommendations of places to stay to suit almost any budget.
We will send you a 'Before Arrival' guide when you sign up, followed by a 'Welcome Pack' closer to arrival to guide you through what to expect, what to bring, how to obtain visas and transport to the island.
We are located on the Gili Islands off the coast of Lombok so arrival by flight to Lombok (LOP) is easy and we can help to arrange transfers across to the island.
Bali is a short 2 hour boat ride away, with a larger international airport, Denpasar Airport (DPS) we can provide advice and assistance to you all the way from the airport.

Availability
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Duration
8 - 24 weeks

Program fees

Costs: Prices in USD
8 weeks (min. stay)
$1,285
9 weeks
$1,285
10 weeks
$1,285
11 weeks
$1,285
13 weeks
$1,285
15 weeks
$1,285
24 weeks (max. stay)
$1,286
Average fees
$107 /week

Please note that the above shown program fees are estimated. Gili Eco Trust will let you know about the final price during your application process.
Deposit (15%)
The deposit is simply to reserve your volunteer placement. Payments are handled by PayPal, our trusted global payment provider. If you don't have a PayPal account, you can also pay using a credit card.
Final Payment (85%)
Your final payment will be agreed with Gili Eco Trust during the application process. Common solutions are either via bank transfer or a cash payment at the project site.

Why book with Volunteer World

Extra security layer by Volunteer World
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Quality Assurance
High ethical standards & transparent social impact
Flex Option
Change your reservation at no extra costs
Refund Guarantee
We refund your fees if Gili Eco Trust cancels your trip
Support & Mediation
We cover your back no matter what happens
Our services are free of charge!
All program fees are charged directly by Gili Eco Trust.

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Biorock Coral Reef Restoration

Learn how to successfully restore damaged coral reefs using Biorock technology. Learn how to monitor and assess reef health using Reef Check methods.

$107/week

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