shaping tomorrow

Empowering Future Leaders in Marine Conservation

Welcome to Gili Matra Bersama

An international marine science center located on the Gili Islands in Indonesia.

We empower youth and women to become leaders in protecting and restoring marine ecosystems through education, research, and community engagement. Join us as we shape the next generation of conservationists and inspire action through our community stories and research.

What we do

Our mission combines research, education, and community action into a powerful force for marine conservation. We are dedicated to fostering a sustainable future in Indonesia, where tourism and nature coexist harmoniously. By empowering the next generations, we ensure both resilience and lasting respect for the health of our oceans.

Education

At Gili Matra Bersama, we’re not just protecting the ocean; we’re shaping its future leaders. We empower local women and youth, who are often under-represented in conservation, to become experts in marine science, research, and sustainable tourism. Our award winning educational programs provide hands-on experiences and practical skills, preparing the next generation for impactful careers in marine conservation and beyond.

Research

Our research dives into the heart of the ocean’s mysteries, focusing on sharks, turtles, and coral reefs to uncover the vital information we need to protect marine life. We tackle real, urgent issues, using what we learn to shape better policies, improve industry practices, and promote sustainable tourism. By letting the data guide us, we make sure our work directly helps preserve and protect the health of our oceans for generations to come.

Community

Community collaboration is at the heart of our mission. By partnering with local residents and activists, we take on environmental challenges through beach cleanups, underwater trash removal, and outreach efforts. Our focus on community engagement helps foster a sense of environmental responsibility and ensures that everyone’s voice is heard as we work together to shape the future of the Gili Islands.

Coral Catch
Scholarship Program

Founded and managed by Gili Matra Bersama

We are proud to be the organization behind the award-winning Coral Catch Scholarship program. This pioneering initiative empowers local women from all over Indonesia to become conservation leaders, giving them the knowledge, skills, and confidence to protect our reefs and inspire their communities.

Since its launch, Coral Catch has trained 40 local women in marine conservation, coral reef restoration, and sustainable tourism, helping them build brighter futures while safeguarding the fragile marine ecosystems of the Gili Matra Marine Reserve.

By supporting us, you are directly supporting the Coral Catch Scholarship Program and helping us create lasting change for both people and planet.

Our results

Scientific divers trained

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Artificial reef structures deployed

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Survey dives

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Awards received for our educational programs

Women received a Coral Catch Scholarship

Children participated in our conservation classes

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Unique turtles identified

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White Tip Reef sharks identified

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our Awards

Our achievements in marine conservation have garnered recognition from prestigious organizations worldwide. Our founder, Rose Huizenga, received the Blue Water Heroes Award 2024 at Singapore’s Blue Water EduFest, presented by Dr. Sylvia Earle, honoring her dedication to marine conservation and advancing gender equity. Rose was also named Sea Hero of the Year 2023 by Scuba Diving Magazine for her work in empowering Indonesian women to pursue careers in marine conservation through Coral Catch and Gili Shark Conservation.

Coral Catch itself has earned numerous accolades, including being a 2023 finalist for the Ocean Awards in the ‘Local Hero’ category, highlighting its grassroots impact. In 2022, Coral Catch was recognized with a GoAbroad Award for ‘Innovation in Philanthropy‘ and became one of the first recipients of PADI’s Community Grant Program, supporting ocean protection aligned with the UN’s Decade of Science for Sustainable Development. Additionally, we received the 2019 SeaKeepers Award for our exemplary conservation efforts.

Apply for a spot on our research team

For Local Women

Coral Catch Scholarship

Are you a local woman passionate about marine conservation? Our Coral Catch Scholarship offers you a unique opportunity to join our research team and make a real difference in protecting our marine ecosystems. As a scholarship recipient, you’ll receive comprehensive training in coral restoration, sustainable tourism, and marine science. This program is designed to empower you with the skills and knowledge needed to become a leader in marine conservation. Apply now and take the first step towards a rewarding career in ocean protection.

For Marine Science Graduates

4-Month Internship

Calling all marine science graduates! Are you looking to gain hands-on field experience and contribute to meaningful conservation efforts? Our 4-month internship program is the perfect opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting. Join our research team and work alongside experienced scientists on projects that address critical marine issues. From conducting field research to developing conservation strategies, this internship will provide you with invaluable experience and professional growth. Don’t miss this chance to jumpstart your career in marine science.

what others say about us

The Coral Catch Superwomen Program is a powerful example of women driving marine conservation. By empowering women, we unlock innovative solutions and foster inclusivity in addressing critical challenges like coral reef protection. Collaborating on this program has been inspiring me not only as a marine scientist but also a person, showcasing how collective action amplifies impact through science, community engagement, and leadership. Women’s unique perspectives are vital to sustainable ocean stewardship, and initiatives like this not only protect marine ecosystems but also champion equity and resilience. Supporting women in conservation ensures a brighter future for our oceans, where diverse voices lead transformative change for global ecological health.

Growing up, I believed the ocean was off-limits for girls like me — until Coral Catch changed everything. Through the program, I found a community of women who shared my dreams and broke stereotypes together. As we worked to protect reefs, I saw young girls watching us with wonder, and I hope they now think, 'That could be me one day'.

This journey has transformed my life, inspiring me to continue making an impact in marine conservation and my community. Thank you for believing in me and making this dream possible!

In my work as international expansion manager for Coral Gardeners, and as a restoration project manager, I am very fortunate to get to meet many amazing practitioners and visit impressive organizations around the world doing groundbreaking work. However, the research team of Gili Matra Bersama stands out as exceptional among them all.

Under the visionary leadership of Rose, Coral Catch has attracted talent and created a family of staff actualizing her revolutionary model that not only has a positive impact on our coral reefs, and creates blue economy jobs, but empowers a group of critical stakeholders who historically have been disenfranchised and not included in doing this work: the local women of Indonesia.

Become a partner

Why Partner with Us?

Award Winning Programs

Our educational initiatives have garnered recognition for excellence in marine science education.

Extensive Network

Since 2016, we’ve built robust connections with local communities, government bodies, and international organizations.

Collaborative Impact

Our partnerships with Coral Watch, Mission Blue, Reef Check, Women in Ocean Science, and Reefy showcase our collaborative approach to research & conservation.

Academic Alliances

We collaborate with two leading universities to bring academic expertise into our conservation efforts.