HER Planet Earth Joins Forces with Coral Catch to Champion Women and Coral Reef Conservation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Singapore, June 2025 – HER Planet Earth, a global women’s advocacy movement, is proud to announce its partnership with Coral Catch in Gili Air, Indonesia, from 8-10 October 2025. This transformative three-day program will bring together 14 exceptional women to support Coral Catch, a pioneering initiative that empowers Indonesian women to lead coral reef restoration and protection efforts. Combining adventure with environmental stewardship, this collaboration underscores HER Planet Earth’s mission to champion gender equality and climate action.

Coral Reefs: A Call for Urgent Action

Coral reefs, which provide habitats for 25% of marine species and protect coastlines from erosion, are in rapid decline. Studies show that over 50% of the world’s coral reefs have been lost over the past three decades due to climate change, overfishing, and pollution. Indonesia, home to the world’s largest coral reef system, is among the most affected regions. This underscores the need for urgent conservation efforts like Coral Catch.

Adventure with Purpose: A Journey to Protect Coral Reefs

This 3-day adventure offers participants an immersive experience on the serene island of Gili Air, one of Indonesia’s most beautiful eco-tourism destinations. The journey is not only an opportunity to witness the region’s stunning underwater ecosystems but also a chance to actively contribute to their preservation.

Key highlights of the program include:

  • Collaborative Workshops: Participants will engage with Coral Catch Superwomen in workshops, including coral restoration masterclasses, coral fragmentation and transplantation techniques, welding practices to construct artificial reefs, and discussions on female empowerment and entrepreneurship. These skills contribute to marine conservation while equipping local women with tools for sustainable livelihoods.

  • Coral Restoration Site Visit: Participants will snorkel or dive at a coral restoration site to witness firsthand the transformative work led by local women. This experience highlights the fragility of these vital ecosystems and the urgent need for conservation efforts.

  • Beachside Women’s Circle: Participants will gather under the stars for a reflective session on Gili Air’s pristine shores, fostering connections, sharing personal stories, and exploring themes of leadership, resilience, and conservation.

Nestled in the turquoise waters of Indonesia’s Lombok Strait, Gili Air is renowned for its vibrant coral reefs, abundant marine life, and tranquil atmosphere. Participants will also experience the island’s rich culture, including local cuisine, traditional crafts, and interactions with the welcoming community.

The Cause: Empowering Women to Protect Our Oceans

Coral Catch’s mission is to build a network of empowered women—known as the “Coral Catch Superwomen”—who lead coral reef restoration initiatives in their communities. By providing training, tools, and leadership development, Coral Catch empowers women to advocate for healthy oceans while building sustainable livelihoods.

Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Coral Catch aims to empower 100 Indonesian women to pursue careers in marine conservation by 2030. This initiative is not just a scholarship program; it’s a movement to foster female leadership in climate action.

“Our coral reefs are vital ecosystems that sustain marine biodiversity and coastal communities. Through initiatives like Coral Catch, we’re not only restoring ecosystems but also creating opportunities for women to lead the way in environmental conservation,” said Rose Huizenga, Director of Gili Shark Conservation and Founder of Coral Catch.

HER Planet Earth: Championing Gender Equality and Environmental Conservation

HER Planet Earth’s Gili Air adventure exemplifies the organisation’s unwavering commitment to addressing the dual challenges of gender inequality and environmental degradation. Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” are critical for sustaining marine life, supporting livelihoods, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Yet they face unprecedented threats from global warming and human activity.

“Women are not just victims of climate change; they are powerful agents of change. Through partnerships like this, we are building resilience not just for the environment but also for the communities that depend on it. Empowering women to take active roles in conservation is essential for creating a sustainable and equitable future,” said Christine Amour-Levar, Founder of HER Planet Earth.

Impact and Sustainability

Funds raised through this adventure will directly support Coral Catch’s programs, helping to expand coral restoration efforts while providing opportunities for women to develop skills, leadership, and careers in marine conservation. Specifically, the funds will support Coral Catch’s scholarship programs for local women, purchase essential tools for coral reef restoration, and enable the expansion of restoration sites across Indonesia’s coastal regions. Additionally, they will contribute to leadership development programs that equip women with advocacy and entrepreneurial skills.

By supporting women on the frontlines of climate action, HER Planet Earth and Coral Catch are creating a ripple effect of positive change that benefits ecosystems, communities, and future generations.

Join the Movement

HER Planet Earth invites individuals, organisations, and corporations to support this mission. While coral restoration is only one piece of the puzzle, HER Planet Earth recognises that tackling the root causes of reef degradation—such as ocean warming, pollution, and overfishing—requires systemic solutions. That’s why the organisation also supports broader climate mitigation and ecosystem protection initiatives through its other projects and expeditions, helping to address these interconnected challenges at their source.

In alignment with HER Planet Earth’s mission to champion gender equality and climate resilience, this partnership brings together two organisations committed to empowering women as agents of change on the frontlines of marine conservation.

Notes to Editors

About HER Planet Earth
Founded in 2017, HER Planet Earth is a non-profit organisation headquartered in Singapore that aims to empower women to mitigate climate change. One of its core objectives is to inspire more women to become policymakers and agents of change to achieve social and economic equity and a healthy, thriving planet. HER Planet Earth organises challenging, often pioneering, self-funded expeditions around the world to raise awareness about environmental degradation and fund programs that empower and educate underprivileged women affected by climate change—ultimately helping them build climate resilience. The organisation partners with nature lovers, environmentalists, scientists, polar explorers, adventurers, women’s rights advocates, corporates, tech entrepreneurs, feminists, and charities that have programs dedicated to building a deeper connection between gender equality, genuinely sustainable development, and environmental protection.

About Coral Catch
Coral Catch is an award-winning conservation program dedicated to empowering women to restore and protect coral reefs in Indonesia. By integrating marine conservation with gender empowerment, Coral Catch serves as a unique model for sustainable change, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Media Contact
For media inquiries, please contact: connect@herplanetearth.com

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