Umicore partners with GoOcean to protect endangered coral reefs in Indonesia

At Umicore, we know our donations go further when environmental and social impact happen together. We seek to maximize our positive impact on people and the planet, which is in line with our approach to sustainability. This is why in 2024, we started a new collaboration with GoOcean, a Belgium-based organization with the goal to plant 8,000 mixed-species coral fragments into the reefs around Nusa Penida, Indonesia, and engage with the local community to promote ocean conservation.

Indonesia is vulnerable to the effects of unsustainable tourism, climate and pollution. Moreover, it is a fast-growing exporter of nickel, a mineral critical to the production of batteries. As Umicore is committed to the responsible sourcing of battery materials, including its environmental impact, we were keen to donate to a community-focused conservation project in Indonesia, and work with a local partner.

Why Nusa Penida?

The islands of Indonesia are famous for their beauty, with crystal blue waters and rich marine life. This natural paradise is part of the ‘coral triangle’, spanning the waters of six countries in Southeast Asia and the Pacific. The area is home to 75% of the world’s reef-building coral species, more than 2000 fish species and the world’s largest mangrove forest.

One of the islands – Nusa Penida, southeast of Bali – is a particularly prime natural habitat, known for the beauty of its coral reefs and sea turtles. 

However, some of the island’s reefs are degrading, as these fragile ecosystems are vulnerable to the effects of unsustainable tourism, climate change and pollution. In addition, the area’s population of Hawksbill sea turtles, which rely on healthy reefs for their survival, have become critically endangered as the reefs deteriorate. The turtles are also a target for poachers who value their distinctive shells.

What does Go Ocean’s work involve?

Planting coral fragments into the reef helps to stimulate new growth. Go Ocean uses special ‘spider’ structures to attach the coral fragments, with the spiders then anchored into the reef by divers. Some 500 of the spiders have been installed, with the team also conducting research dives to monitor Hawksbill turtles in the area. Multiple new turtles have been spotted that were not previously seen around the restoration site.

Lisa Zschunke, Responsible Sourcing Manager in Umicore’s ESG team in Brussels, explains how the partnership came about: "We chose the partnership with Go Ocean and Project Laut because it goes beyond planting new corals – it has a strong community engagement side, for example working with local schools to educate people on the importance of reef protection and ocean conservation. The program also works with local divers to train them around coral protection and informing them about the consequences of poaching. This is the kind of integrated conservation effort Umicore wants to support. It’s very well organized and managed at a local level.”

Having visited Indonesia herself, Lisa understands the critical importance of responsible practices. "I’ve spent a lot of time researching local challenges around conservation, biodiversity loss and water pollution. This region has some of the world’s most diverse and beautiful marine life, but there is an urgent need to raise awareness of its vulnerability to pollution and waste. Supporting community engagement projects like this is an important way we can have a positive impact beyond our own operations and supply chains.’’