Varadero is a coral reef ecosystem of roughly 1 km² in the Bay of Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, near Bocachica, a fishing community on the southern side of Tierra Bomba Island. For years, the discharge of freshwater and sediments from the Canal del Dique has transformed the bay and placed increasing pressure on the region’s coral ecosystems.

Even so, Varadero retains a notable level of coral cover given the conditions it faces. Scientific studies have documented more than 30 coral species and nearly 150 fish species, as well as areas where average coral cover reaches around 45%, with some sections rising to as much as 80% live coral. This resilience does not, however, mean that the reef is free from danger. Recent research suggests that Varadero is experiencing moderate to high environmental stress.

A living lab for restoration and co-creation

Building on this ecological foundation, the Resilient Coasts in the Caribbean Sea project selected Varadero as one of its living labs. The initiative promotes spaces where local communities, authorities and researchers co-create nature-based solutions that strengthen coastal resilience, share knowledge across a growing network of partners in Caribbean countries, and explore sustainable business models.

The Varadero Living Lab – the second established in the region under the project – is being developed in close collaboration with the island community of Bocachica. There, fishermen and community leaders, supported by Corales de Paz and the SEI team, are working together to test how reef rehabilitation can protect the coastline, enhance biodiversity and open new marine-based economic opportunities.

Reef restoration through innovative interventions

One of the key interventions, led by Corales de Paz, is assisted restoration using the Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System (MARRS) – metal star-shaped structures fixed to the seabed and covered with coral fragments. Over time, these fragments grow, connect and rebuild a three-dimensional structure that stabilizes rubble and provides shelter and food for fish and invertebrates.

The living lab combines this work at sea with a comprehensive process to strengthen the capacities of local communities. This includes basic diving training for safety and water operations, delivered by local partners, as well as instruction in participatory ecological monitoring (Reef Check), enabling fishermen and young people to contribute directly to assessing reef health alongside Corales de Paz and to become genuine guardians of the seabed.

Educational spaces are also being developed, such as the “Underwater Heroes” workshop, aimed at raising environmental awareness among children. In parallel, a participatory assessment of livelihoods, capacities and needs has been carried out through socioeconomic surveys and community workshops, identifying priorities and guiding the transition towards sustainable activities. As a result, work is advancing on proposals for community ecotourism, including the design of routes intended to generate economic opportunities compatible with conserving Bocachica’s natural and cultural heritage.

Decisions that will shape Varadero’s future

Varadero now sits at the centre of crucial decisions: on one hand, proposals for port modernization and new dredging operations in the Bay of Cartagena remain under discussion, developments that could determine the reef’s fate; on the other, citizen-led initiatives such as “Salvemos Varadero” and efforts to secure its designation as a marine protected area highlight its ecological and social importance. In this context, the living lab aims to provide evidence on restoration, monitoring and community participation.