partners
partners
At Gili Matra Bersama, we are deeply grateful for the incredible support we receive from our partners. Their collaboration strengthens our mission to protect marine ecosystems and empower local communities. We are proud to be a trusted partner and excited to contribute to positive change together. If you’re interested in joining forces and making a difference, we’d love to hear from you.
Reach out to us at [email protected].
Memorandum of Understanding
University of Mataram
At Yayasan Gili Matra Bersama, we’re proud to join hands with the Faculty of Agriculture at Mataram University. Together, we’re building a brighter future for marine conservation, exploration, and ecotourism in West Nusa Tenggara.
This partnership strengthens education, research, and community programs. It focuses on sustainable management of our precious coastal and marine resources.
Exciting Goals and Outcomes
This collaboration is designed to deliver real, positive impacts for marine ecosystems and local communities, including:
- Establishing a Coastal and Marine Data Repository
- Collecting and sharing marine environmental data from joint research projects.
- Goal: Creating an open-access online database to inspire and support future research by academics and practitioners.
- Empowering Local Communities
- Providing scholarships for at least one female student from Mataram University to join the “Coral Catch Superwoman” program, a groundbreaking initiative focusing on coral reef rehabilitation through women-led efforts.
- Pioneering Publications and Research
- Producing at least three international scientific publications within three years, showcasing innovative approaches to marine conservation and community empowerment.
This is more than a partnership—it’s a movement to bridge academia and real-world conservation efforts. Together, we’re creating lasting change for our oceans and communities.
BKKPN
We proud to share that we partner with Balai Kawasan Konservasi Perairan Nasional (BKKPN) in our shared mission to protect and preserve marine ecosystems in West Nusa Tenggara. This collaboration with the (local) goverment brings together research, community empowerment, and conservation initiatives for a sustainable future.
Key Goals and Outcomes
This partnership is designed to make a tangible difference for our oceans and the local communities, including:
- Establishing a Coastal and Marine Data Repository
- Collecting and sharing marine environmental data from joint research projects.
- To create an open-access online database that will inspire and support future research by academics, practitioners, and conservationists worldwide.
- Empowering Local Communities
- Providing scholarships for at least one female student from Mataram University to join the “Coral Catch Superwoman” program, a pioneering initiative focused on coral reef rehabilitation through women-led conservation efforts.
- Pioneering Publications and Research
- Producing at least three international scientific publications within three years, highlighting innovative approaches to marine conservation and community empowerment.
Research Collaborations
CORDAP
Objective
To customise a nutritional super supplement “CoraBoost” to administer tocorals to boost their resilience to thermal stress. This program will combine laboratory studies and trials across different reef ecosystems to optimise the supplement. This pioneering project will lay the groundwork o enhance natural reef fitness across global locations through targeted nutrition. This project aims to improve coral health and adapt to the “reefs of tomorrow”.
The development of an optimal nutritional supplement “CoraBoost” aims to confer resilience to corals, and provide a universal, novel tool that complements existing conservation practises. The project aims to develop a supplement recipe enabling for its recreation globally to help boost coral resilience to thermal stress. Enhancing translation of coral research by supporting the global use of CoraBoost within diverse reef types and natural nutrient landscapes.
Coral Gardeners
Description
This project leverages the cutting-edge ReefOS geospatial dashboard and coordinating technologies developed by Coral Gardeners Labs to advance coral monitoring and restoration efforts. With support from Coral Gardeners, we are integrating this innovative technology into our coral nursery research, enabling us to monitor coral growth and resilience with unprecedented accuracy. By providing real-time data and actionable insights, ReefOS empowers us to make informed decisions and improve the efficiency of our monitoring processes. The user-friendly interface replaces traditional methods, allowing researchers to utilize underwater phones instead of slates for data collection. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to preserve and restore vital marine ecosystems.
Objectives
Monitor coral growth and resilience in our coral nursery using the ReefOS geospatial dashboard. Collect real-time data to assess coral bleaching events and recovery rates, enhancing research on coral resilience. Streamline monitoring processes by replacing manual data collection with underwater software via iPhones. Strengthen coral restoration efforts by integrating advanced technology into research and conservation strategies.
Leipzig Institute
Description
This partnership combines the expertise of Gili Matra Bersama and the TransTourism Team from the Leibniz Centre to deepen our understanding of the coral reef ecosystems around the Gili Islands. The collaboration focuses on continuing long-term reef monitoring, refining underwater survey techniques, and exploring innovative approaches to coral recruit detection and turf algae measurement. By conducting systematic underwater surveys and trialling new methods, we aim to generate actionable insights that enhance reef conservation and restoration efforts.
Objectives
To enhance the understanding and management of coral reef ecosystems in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve, the project focuses on continuing the existing time series of reef monitoring through regular roving diver surveys at key sites. We conduct detailed benthos assessments and underwater visual fish censuses to track reef health and assess the impact of environmental factors on coral and benthic community health. Throughout this project, we refined methodologies for monitoring juvenile coral recruitment using UV fluorescence technology, and measuried turf algae height and distribution to better understand reef dynamics.
Partnerships
Gili Shark Conservation
The partnership between Gili Matra Bersama and Gili Shark Conservation is a powerful collaboration focused on advancing marine conservation through education and community engagement. Gili Shark Conservation offers a unique holiday package designed for individuals eager to deepen their understanding of marine conservation. As part of their research assistant program, participants complete the PADI Scientific Diver Course and several Conservation Diver Courses, joining our research team in collecting vital data. This hands-on experience allows them to engage directly with ongoing research efforts while assisting with community outreach programs, such as beach and underwater clean-ups. While individuals joining from Gili Shark Conservation focus solely on educational pursuits, they play a vital role in our collaborative efforts.
This collaboration is a shining example of sustainable conservation. By reinvesting a portion of the profits from these holiday packages into our research and educational programs, we reduce our reliance on external funds and grants. This unique partnership not only allows us to educate visitors about conservation but also provides the necessary resources to support our ongoing research and community outreach initiatives.
Together, we empower future conservation leaders from around the globe to protect our reefs and marine ecosystems, creating a lasting impact for generations to come.
Blue Marlin
We couldn’t accomplish our mission every day without the invaluable support of our outstanding partner, the 5-star PADI Career Development Centre, Blue Marlin Dive. It’s truly inspiring to work alongside a partner that prioritizes conservation and understands its importance in today’s world. Their commitment to marine preservation aligns perfectly with our goals, making our collaboration all the more meaningful.
Blue Marlin Dive actively supports us through various initiatives that contribute to the health of our marine ecosystems. They help us collect critical data for sharks and turtles via the Gili Ocean App, which is essential for protecting these endangered species and promoting sustainable conservation practices. Additionally, they sponsor weekly swimming classes for local women, empowering them to build confidence and forge a deeper connection to the ocean. Each week, their team joins us to assist with the maintenance and monitoring of our coral restoration sites, further strengthening our conservation efforts. Together, we also organize community events and weekly beach clean-ups, engaging local residents in caring for our beautiful environment.
They facilitate all our diving needs by providing boats, tanks, and equipment, ensuring that we have the resources to protect the Gili Islands’ marine life and promote sustainable practices within the community.
PADI Aware
Since the founding of Gili Matra Bersama, we have been proud partners with PADI and PADI Aware. PADI’s commitment to safety in dive training ensures that our team, Coral Catch Superwomen and interns, receive essential instruction in safety practices, protocols, and emergency procedures, enabling responsible and secure diving experiences.
We love PADI’s mission of empowering women in diving and making the sport more accessible. PADI Aware has supported our Coral Catch program from the beginning, selecting us twice for their Community Grant Program.
We’re also excited to be part of PADI’s Adopt the Blue initiative, where we have pledged to protect two well-loved dive sites, Han’s Reef and Gili Meno Slope, within the Gili Matra Marine Park. Our team conducts at least two underwater cleanups monthly at these sites to help preserve their natural beauty and biodiversity.
Additionally, we play an advisory role in keeping PADI courses related to conservation up to date.
Conservation Diver
Another collaboration that brings us so much gratitude and happiness! Conservation Diver is an organization devoted to training the next generation of marine conservationists and ocean enthusiasts. They offer a wide range of conservation courses designed to empower individuals from diverse backgrounds with the knowledge and skills needed to take action and achieve their goals.
Our dedicated research team is fully trained and certified in teaching Conservation Diver courses, including the Ecological Monitoring Program, Advanced Ecological Monitoring Program, Sea Turtle Ecology & Monitoring, Shark Ecology and Population Studies, and Plastic Pollution Monitoring and Assessment, among others.
Integrating these courses into our scholarship and internship programs adds tremendous value and enriches the learning experience for our participants.
What truly excites us about this partnership is our shared passion for education and the belief that knowledge is a powerful tool for change. Together, we aim to inspire and equip future leaders in marine conservation!
UN Decade On Ecosystem Restoration
In 2021, we were honored to be invited as a partner in the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration—a truly exciting milestone for us! The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration is a global call to protect and revive ecosystems for the benefit of both people and nature. This ambitious effort aims to halt ecosystem degradation and restore natural landscapes in pursuit of critical global goals. Healthy ecosystems are essential to enhancing livelihoods, counteracting climate change, and halting the collapse of biodiversity.
Running from 2021 to 2030, the UN Decade aligns with the timeline for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the window scientists consider our last opportunity to prevent catastrophic climate change.
As a supporting partner, Gili Matra Bersama is committed to inspiring, supporting, and engaging local government, communities, and organizations in the urgent mission of ecosystem restoration. Together, we’re racing against time to counter climate change and create a sustainable future.
Mission Blue
“No water, no life. No blue, no green.” This powerful quote from Dr. Sylvia Earle, a world-renowned marine biologist, encapsulates the vital connection between our oceans and our planet’s health. With the record for the deepest walk on the sea floor and as the first woman to lead the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Sylvia has made incredible strides in marine science.
Beyond her remarkable achievements, Sylvia Earle serves as a true role model, passionately advocating for young women in science. We are incredibly proud to be one of the 200 organizations supporting her initiative, Mission Blue.
Mission Blue has created a global network of ocean conservation organizations united by a shared vision: to restore our planet’s blue heart. Their ambitious goal of achieving 30% ocean protection by 2030 is not just something we support; it’s a vision we aspire to inspire others to embrace as well.
Coral Watch
This collaborative project integrates the globally recognized CoralWatch citizen science program into Gili Matra Bersama’s ongoing efforts to monitor coral health within the Gili Matra Marine Reserve. The project uses the CoralWatch Coral Health Chart to conduct surveys that assess coral bleaching and resilience. The collaboration aims to combine scientific research with public participation, enabling volunteers, divers, and local stakeholders to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts. By collecting standardized data on coral colour and condition, the surveys provide valuable insights into the health of the coral reefs, contributing to broader global databases on coral resilience.
Project Penyu
This project aims to support Gili Matra Bersama’s research mission by advancing the understanding of sea turtle populations in the Gili Matra Marine Reserve. Through collaboration with Project Penyu, the initiative focuses on sharing knowledge of the foraging habits and nesting behaviours of Green, Hawksbill, and Olive Ridley turtles. Beyond research, this initiative emphasises community engagement. A shared goal of the partnership is to educate local business owners about protecting turtle nests and raising public awareness on sea turtle conservation.