Our Singapore Reefs
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Singapore

Restoring and Protecting Singapore’s Coral Heritage

Our Singapore Reefs (OSR) is a volunteer-led conservation collective formed by divers and marine enthusiasts committed to restoring and protecting Singapore’s coral reefs and associated marine life. Since its establishment, OSR has combined practical reef restoration, dive-based cleanups, and public education to reconnect communities with the reefs that have historically surrounded the island-state. Their work is grounded in the conviction that sustained, local action—supported by scientific partnerships and community engagement—can make meaningful contributions to reef resilience.

Mission and Approach

OSR’s mission is twofold: to rehabilitate degraded reef habitats through hands-on restoration and to foster awareness that encourages long-term behavioural change. The organisation undertakes reef cleanups, coral propagation and outplanting efforts, and collaborative citizen-science projects that document reef health and inform restoration practice. OSR frames these practical interventions within an educational context, offering workshops and outreach that aim to translate experiential learning into daily choices that reduce marine pollution and habitat damage.

Activities and Methods

Volunteer divers working with OSR conduct underwater cleanups to remove entangled debris, discarded items, and invasive materials that directly harm corals. The group supports coral restoration techniques—such as nursery cultivation of coral fragments and subsequent outplanting—to increase live coral cover in targeted sites. OSR also partners with community groups and institutions to organise public talks, school visits, and workshops designed to explain reef ecology, threats, and responsible behaviours for coastal recreation and fisheries. These combined activities make OSR’s approach practical, place-based, and educational.

Collaboration and the Wider National Effort

OSR operates within a broader national and regional context of reef conservation. Singapore has seen significant reef loss over recent decades, prompting coordinated restoration efforts and public-private partnerships. Notably, the National Parks Board and partners launched the 100k Corals Initiative to scale coral cultivation and planting—an initiative that underscores the importance of collaborative restoration across multiple stakeholders. OSR contributes at the grassroots level, aligning volunteer action with professional research and larger landscape strategies.

Impact and Community Outcomes

While the scale of national restoration is substantial, OSR’s local achievements are measurable in restored reef sites, volunteer engagement, and increased public understanding of marine threats. Beyond the tonnage of material removed or the number of coral fragments transplanted, OSR measures success through community mobilisation: volunteers who return, school groups inspired to adopt sustainable habits, and local fishermen and beach users who become allies for reef protection. These human-centred outcomes are central to the organisation’s long-term vision.

Volunteer Experience and Safety

Volunteers with OSR typically include recreational divers, students, educators, and members of the public with a strong interest in coastal stewardship. Dive-based activities are organised with attention to diver safety, site conditions, and permitting requirements; public-facing engagements (coastal talks, citizen science surveys) prioritise accessibility and clear guidance for participants. OSR’s community culture emphasises mentorship: experienced divers and marine practitioners mentor newer volunteers, enabling skills transfer and responsible, long-term participation.

Looking Ahead

Conservation of coral ecosystems is an ongoing effort that requires coordination, science, and consistent community involvement. OSR remains focused on scaling its local impact through continued outreach, partnership with research institutions, and alignment with national initiatives—helping Singapore work toward more resilient reef habitats and a more informed public. By combining hands-on restoration with education and collaboration, Our Singapore Reefs seeks to ensure that Singapore’s reefs are not merely a memory but an actively cared-for natural heritage.