Kaviak Coral Restoration and Climate Adaptation Training

 

Figure 1:  Roger from Kaviak village checking to
ensure the A frames and Table frames for the
coral nurseries at Kaviak village's coral nursery
site are in order.  Picture by Patrick Gomiai

                                            The selected nursery site is located at:

• Latitude: 4° 33′ 15.53″ S
• Longitude: 145° 56′ 12.42″ E

By EMMA BJ OLIVER 

 Acknowledgement

Training at a Glance Kaviak Village, Karkar Island 5 Days | 63 Participants Outcomes: 5 A-frame & 2 table coral nurseries established Coral restoration skills strengthened Community threat mapping completed Customary closure discussions initiated Approach: Community-led, science-based, and grounded in indigenous knowledge.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Wenceslaus Magun, Director of MAKATA, for engaging ENB Sea Keepers and supporting the delivery of this important training. We also sincerely thank Mr. Boni Wadui, Community Liaison Officer for MAKATA, for his dedicated coordination of all on-the-ground arrangements with the Kaviak community.

Our deep gratitude goes to Mr. Micah Malol, Chairman of the Kaviak Community-Based Organization (CBO) and newly elected Ward Member, for accommodating the team, and for his strong leadership, guidance, and unwavering support throughout the training.

We acknowledge the leadership and commitment of the Kaviak CBO Executive Team:

• Mr. Tobias Mosen – Vice Chairman
• Ms. Mary Timothy – CBO Secretary
• Mr. Bill Miron / Gabriel – Treasurer

We also warmly acknowledge the cooking mothers for preparing meals throughout the training, as well as the youth, children, and fathers of Kaviak Village whose collective efforts and hospitality ensured the success of the program.

Finally, we recognize and thank the ENB Sea Keepers facilitators and team for their dedication and professionalism:

• Emma Oliver – Team Lead Facilitator
• Alphie Mandarip – Administration
• Christine Ibos – Project Trainer Officer
• Patrick Gomiai – Project Trainer Officer

Their combined efforts made this training impactful, inclusive, and meaningful for the Kaviak community.

Report prepared for documentation, reporting, and future scaling of community-based coral restoration and climate adaptation initiatives.

 

Table of Contents

1. Executive Summary
2. Background and Rationale
3. Training Objectives
4. Training Methodology
5. Map of Karkar Island and Kaviak Reef Boundary Using Google Earth Pro.
6. Day-by-Day Training Overview
7. Key Achievements
8. Community Governance and Customary Closure
9. Challenges and Lessons Learned
10. Sustainability and Next Steps
11. Monitoring and Evaluation
12. Conclusion
13. Appendices

 

 

 

 1. Executive Summary

The 5-day Coral Restoration and Climate Change Adaptation Training conducted in Kaviak Village, Karkar Island successfully met and exceeded its intended objectives. The training strengthened community capacity to understand coral reef ecosystems, climate change impacts, and locally led restoration and adaptation strategies rooted in both science and customary knowledge.

Over the course of five days, 63 participants consistently attended theoretical and practical sessions. Key achievements included the establishment of five (5) A-frame coral nurseries and two (2) table nurseries, the initiation of a community-led coral gene bank, and the facilitation of critical discussions among clans regarding the establishment of a customary closure (tabu area) around the nursery site.

Importantly, the training went beyond technical outcomes by fostering unity among clans, strengthening traditional governance, and laying the foundation for long-term reef stewardship and climate resilience.

 

 

Figure 2: Kaviak women performing a traditional
dance as part of the welcome ceremony to welcome
ENB Sea Keepers and MAKATA into the
community.  Picture by Wenceslaus Magun

2. Background and Rationale

Kaviak Village relies heavily on its surrounding marine ecosystems for food security, livelihoods, and cultural identity. Increasing climate stressors, particularly coral bleaching, rising sea temperatures, and human pressures, have highlighted the urgent need for proactive, community-driven climate adaptation strategies.

This training was designed to respond to these challenges by combining coral science, nature-based climate adaptation, and traditional reef management practices, ensuring solutions are locally relevant, culturally appropriate, and sustainable.

 

3. Training Objectives

The training aimed to:

• Build community understanding of coral reef ecology and climate change impacts
• Strengthen local capacity to identify and propagate bleaching-resistant corals
• Establish functional coral nurseries as climate adaptation infrastructure
• Integrate traditional knowledge and customary governance into reef management
• Promote community ownership and long-term stewardship of restoration sites

 

4. Training Methodology

The training adopted a participatory, hands-on learning approach, emphasizing:

• Storytelling and knowledge-sharing by elders
• Interactive discussions and group reflections
• Practical, field-based coral nursery construction
• Low-cost, locally sourced restoration techniques
• Integration of scientific principles with customary marine management

This approach ensured inclusivity, intergenerational learning, and strong community ownership of outcomes.

5. Map of Karkar Island and Kaviak Reef Boundary Using Google Earth Pro.

Figure 3: Map of Karkar Island

                                                                                                 

Figure 4: Map of Kaviak coastline community

6. Day-by-Day Training Overview

The training design and delivery were informed by the Kaviak Village Community Profile (2025), recognizing the village’s strong dependence on marine resources, the severe degradation of coral reefs, declining fisheries, and increasing climate change impacts such as sea-level rise, ocean acidification, and water scarcity. The approach intentionally linked scientific knowledge with lived experience and customary practices of the four clans of Kaviak Village.

Day 1 (Monday): Understanding Marine Ecosystems, Coral Reefs, and Climate Change

Day 1 focused on strengthening participants’ foundational understanding of the marine ecosystem as an interconnected system, with particular emphasis on coral reef ecosystems. Sessions covered:

• The structure and function of marine ecosystems
• The roles of corals, fish, invertebrates, and other marine organisms
• How healthy coral reefs support fisheries, food security, and livelihoods in Kaviak Village
• A refresher on climate change, including rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and sea-level rise, and how these are already affecting local reefs and fisheries

Building on this knowledge, the community conducted a threat mapping exercise, drawing directly from their lived experiences. Participants identified and mapped key threats to their marine ecosystem, including coral bleaching, overfishing, habitat destruction, pollution, and climate-driven changes. Each group presented their findings back to the plenary, enabling collective learning and shared understanding.

The afternoon session focused on community-driven solutions, where participants discussed practical and culturally appropriate responses to the identified threats. These discussions linked modern conservation approaches with traditional practices such as customary closures and collective stewardship.

 

 

 

 

Day 2 (Tuesday): Coral Taxonomy, Bleaching Resistance, and Restoration Approaches

Day 2 moved into more technical learning, beginning with coral taxonomy and hands-on coral identification. Participants learned to distinguish different coral species, with particular focus on vulnerable and ecologically important groups.

Through group discussions, elders’ observations, and shared experiences, participants identified corals that have demonstrated resistance to bleaching in local conditions. These discussions emphasized experiential knowledge and informal experimentation already taking place within the community.

The session then explored coral restoration methods and customary closures, drawing on real-world examples from:

• Milne Bay Eco Custodian Advocates
• Ailan Awareness from New Ireland Province

These case studies allowed participants to visualize successful, community-led marine management and restoration initiatives in PNG and the wider Pacific region, including Coral Gardeners in Fiji, whose work demonstrates how coral nurseries, community engagement, and climate-focused restoration can be scaled while still respecting local stewardship and reef knowledge.

During the afternoon session, participants watched instructional videos demonstrating:

• Materials used for coral nursery construction
• Assembly of A-frame and table nurseries
• Practical considerations for field implementation

This session generated extensive discussion, with participants actively engaging in "why" and "how" questions to deepen their understanding before field implementation.

 

Figure 5: one of their group activities on coral taxonomy and food chain during day two sessions.

Day 3 (Wednesday): Site Scoping, Nursery Preparation, and Customary Governance

Day 3 focused on practical preparation, site scoping, and community decision-making for coral nursery establishment.

Morning Session: Nursery Preparation and Site Scoping

The morning session began with identifying and reviewing the materials required for coral nursery construction. Participants were then divided into six working groups.

• Five groups were assigned to prepare A-frame coral nurseries
• Group six was assigned to prepare the table nursery

Each group worked with iron bars and mesh wire, bending and shaping the frames according to the demonstrated designs. All metal materials were coated with rust-kill during the training session to reduce corrosion once submerged. As part of preparation, these materials had been left exposed to sun and rain for approximately one week before the arrival of the facilitators, allowing surface oxidation to stabilise and improve durability underwater.

Following nursery preparation, participants were guided through a practical demonstration on the safe use of snorkeling equipment, including:

• Proper use of goggles, flippers, and snorkels
• How to enter the water safely and swim efficiently
• Correct rinsing, drying, and packing of equipment after use

This session ensured all participants were confident and safe before entering the marine environment.

The group then conducted field-based scoping of the surrounding reef areas, collectively assessing potential locations for coral nurseries. Observations focused on water depth, clarity, exposure, and overall suitability for coral growth.

As part of the scoping process, remote sensing tools were also introduced to provide a broader overview of the reef system and island context. Bathymetry and water-quality information helped participants visualise reef structure, depth zones, and environmental conditions, complementing in-water observations and traditional knowledge.

 

 

 

 

 

Figure 6: Full Bathymetry (Deep to Shallow Sea Floor)

The first map shows complete bathymetric depth values, ranging from very deep ocean to shallow areas near the island.

Depth values go from around –1500 m (deep ocean) to +1500 m (land elevation).

 

Figure 7: Classified

Bathymetry (Grouped Depth Classes)

The second map is not continuous; instead, depth is classified into grouped levels (depth categories).

Depth values range only from 0 m (sea level) to ~40 m.

Explanation of Bathymetry Data – Karkar Island, Papua New Guinea

The bathymetry maps illustrate the underwater depth and seafloor structure surrounding Karkar Island, providing critical context for coral reef distribution, vulnerability, and restoration planning. Bathymetry describes the shape and depth of the ocean floor, which strongly influences wave energy, sediment movement, water circulation, and reef development.

Figure 8: Classified Shallow-Water Bathymetry (0–40 m)

The first image focuses on the shallow marine environment, with depth values ranging from 0 metres (sea level) to approximately 40 metres. This depth range is ecologically significant because it represents the zone where coral reefs can survive, grow, and be restored.

The map shows narrow, shallow shelves fringing Karkar Island, indicating that coral habitats are confined to limited coastal areas. These shallow zones are ideal for coral nursery placement when they are sheltered from strong wave action and excessive sedimentation. However, their limited extent also makes them highly vulnerable to disturbances such as coral bleaching, storms, and runoff.

Figure 9: Full Bathymetry (Deep Ocean to Land Elevation)

The second image presents the complete bathymetric profile of the area, showing depth values ranging from approximately –1500 metres (deep ocean basins) to +1500 metres (land elevation). This map highlights the steep underwater slopes surrounding Karkar Island, a characteristic feature of volcanic islands.

The rapid transition from shallow reefs to deep ocean indicates that reefs occur on narrow platforms with little buffering capacity. This steep bathymetry increases exposure to wave energy and limits the natural expansion of reef habitats, making existing reefs more sensitive to climate stressors such as rising sea temperatures and extreme weather events.

Implications for Coral Restoration and Climate Adaptation

Together, these bathymetry maps explain why coral restoration around Karkar Island must be highly site-specific. The combination of narrow shallow reef zones and steep drop-offs means that coral nurseries must be carefully placed in protected, shallow areas where light availability is sufficient and physical stress is reduced.

This bathymetric understanding supported community discussions during site scoping, helping participants visualize why certain areas were selected for coral nurseries and why others were avoided. It also reinforced the importance of integrating scientific bathymetric data with traditional knowledge to guide effective coral restoration and climate adaptation strategies for Kaviak Village.

 

Figure 10: The Normalized Difference Turbidity index (NDTI)

 

 

 

Explanation of Turbidity and Sea Surface Temperature Graphs

The Normalized Difference Turbidity Index (NDTI) is a satellite-based indicator used to assess water clarity by measuring how light is reflected from the water surface. It provides insight into whether coastal waters are relatively clear or affected by turbidity caused by sediments, runoff, or pollution.

NDTI values range between –1 and +1:

• Values closer to –1 indicate clean, clear water, which is more favourable for coral growth and light penetration.
• Values moving toward +1 indicate higher turbidity, often associated with sediment input, coastal runoff, resuspension of sediments, or pollution, all of which can stress corals and reduce reef resilience.

The NDTI maps shown for the Kaviak area (2020, 2022, and 2024) illustrate spatial and temporal variations in turbidity along the coastline. Persistent bands of higher turbidity along nearshore areas highlight zones where corals are likely exposed to chronic sediment stress, while comparatively clearer offshore or protected zones indicate more suitable areas for coral nursery placement.

For these maps:

• Bathymetric context was derived from the GEBCO Global Ocean Dataset
• NDTI and NDWI (Normalized Difference Water Index) were calculated using Sentinel-2 multispectral satellite imagery

These turbidity maps form part of an ongoing research effort to understand spatial patterns of coral stress and recovery and to guide restoration site selection.

Sea Surface Temperature and Thermal Stress

The Monthly Sea Surface Temperature (SST) heat map is based on NOAA Optimum Interpolation Sea Surface Temperature (OISST v2) data. This dataset provides long-term, high-resolution temperature records that are essential for analysing thermal stress on coral reefs.

The heat map shows seasonal and interannual variations in SST for the Kaviak region, highlighting periods where temperatures approach or exceed thresholds known to trigger coral bleaching. Elevated SSTs are strongly associated with mass bleaching events.

This SST analysis supports the calculation of thermal stress indices, including:

• Degree Heating Weeks (DHW)
• Bleaching Thresholds (BT)

These indices are widely used to quantify accumulated heat stress on corals.

Linking Satellite Data with Field Observations

This analysis directly correlates with known regional bleaching events observed during:

• 1998
• 2014
• 2016
• 2023–2024

Field observations conducted during these periods are critical for ground-truthing satellite data, ensuring that remotely sensed patterns accurately reflect real-world reef conditions. The integration of satellite-derived turbidity, sea surface temperature, and thermal stress indices with field surveys strengthens confidence in identifying vulnerable reef zones and prioritising sites for coral restoration and climate adaptation interventions.

Together, these datasets provide a strong scientific foundation for understanding bleaching patterns, sediment stress, and reef vulnerability, and they reinforce the importance of combining remote sensing, long-term climate data, and local field knowledge in coral restoration planning for Kaviak Village.

As part of the site scoping process, the training team and community collectively surveyed a total coastal perimeter of approximately 4.81 kilometres, covering an estimated area of 602,159 square metres of nearshore marine environment. This scoping exercise combined in-water observations, shoreline assessment, traditional knowledge, and remote sensing data to ensure a comprehensive understanding of reef conditions across the area.

Following detailed consultations with customary resource owners, clan leaders, and community representatives, one site was jointly identified and approved as the most suitable location for the establishment of Kaviak’s first coral nursery site.

The selected nursery site is located at:

• Latitude: 4° 33′ 15.53″ S
• Longitude: 145° 56′ 12.42″ E

The site is positioned approximately 0.1 kilometres from the shoreline, providing ease of access for monitoring and maintenance while remaining sufficiently offshore to reduce land-based disturbance. The nursery is situated within a radius of approximately 0.18 kilometres, creating a defined management and protection zone that aligns with proposed customary closure boundaries.

The final selection of this site reflects a balance between ecological suitability, including appropriate depth, water clarity, and reduced wave exposure, and customary governance, ensuring the location is socially accepted and supported by resource owners. This integrated scoping approach strengthened community ownership of the nursery and laid the foundation for effective long-term coral restoration and climate adaptation in Kaviak Village.

 

Figure 11: Map showing scoping coverage of a Perimeter: 4.81 Kilometers and an Area of 602.159 square meters.

Figure 12: Map of the nursery site situated at Latitude: 4° 33′ 15.53″ S, Longitude: 145° 56′ 12.42″ E.

Afternoon Session: Customary Closure and Community Agreement

The afternoon session was dedicated to community governance and customary decision-making. Clan leaders, community members, and marine resource owners gathered for in-depth discussions on the proposed customary closure of the selected nursery site.

This discussion emphasised that:

• The nursery site must be collectively agreed upon by all clans
• Final approval rests with the customary resource owners
• Closure rules must be respected to protect the nursery and surrounding reef

These discussions were described by participants as critical and constructive, ensuring transparency, shared responsibility, and long-term commitment to reef protection.

By the end of Day 3, the community had not only prepared the physical nursery structures and identified suitable sites, but also strengthened customary governance mechanisms, reinforcing that coral restoration is both a technical and cultural responsibility.

 

Figure 13: The Map of Kaviak community showing the perimeters of the proposed customary closure.

Day 4 (Thursday): Coral Harvesting and Nursery Implementation

Day 4 marked the transition from theory into full hands-on field implementation, representing a critical milestone in the training program. The entire day was dedicated to practical coral restoration activities, enabling participants to apply the scientific knowledge, traditional ecological understanding, and technical skills acquired during the previous sessions.

Under the guidance of facilitators and community elders, participants undertook the careful harvesting of healthy coral fragments from donor sites identified during the site-scoping exercise. Strong emphasis was placed on ethical and low-impact harvesting techniques, ensuring donor colonies were not compromised and that harvested fragments displayed clear indicators of health, vigour, and potential resilience to local environmental stressors.

Following harvesting, participants worked collaboratively to construct and deploy coral nurseries, using locally appropriate materials and designs tailored to site conditions and long-term maintenance feasibility. This process reinforced teamwork, collective problem-solving, and intergenerational knowledge exchange, with elders, youth, women, and fishers working side by side throughout the day.

Once the nursery structures were securely installed, coral fragments were carefully placed and secured within the nurseries. Facilitators provided step-by-step guidance on appropriate spacing, attachment techniques, and orientation to maximise coral survival, growth, and resilience.

By the conclusion of Day 4, the community successfully established:

• Five (5) A-frame coral nurseries
• Two (2) table coral nurseries

This achievement represented a significant transformation of learning into action. The coral nurseries now serve as tangible climate adaptation infrastructure, fully owned and managed by the Kaviak community. Beyond their ecological function, the nurseries symbolise collective responsibility, stewardship, and the community’s long-term commitment to protecting and restoring their marine resources for future generations.

 

Coral Species Selection, Genotype Diversity, and Fragment Collection

Figure 14: Showing the three acropora species we propagating in the nursery.

A key priority during the coral harvesting process was the deliberate selection of species and genotypes to enhance resilience, genetic diversity, and long-term restoration success. Guided by scientific principles and reinforced by local ecological knowledge, the community focused on Acropora species, recognised for their critical role in reef structure, habitat complexity, and recovery potential.

To strengthen adaptive capacity and reduce the risk of uniform failure under climate stress, multiple genotypes were intentionally harvested for each target species. This approach supports the establishment of a genetically diverse community coral gene bank, increasing the likelihood of survival under changing environmental conditions.

The following coral species, genotypes, and fragment numbers were harvested and established in the nurseries:

• Acropora tabulate
• Three (3) distinct genotypes
• Sixteen (16) coral fragments collected
• Acropora staghorn
• Four (4) distinct genotypes
• Forty (40) coral fragments collected
• Acropora digitate
• Two (2) distinct genotypes
• Thirty (30) coral fragments collected

In total, eighty-six (86) Acropora coral fragments were carefully harvested, prepared, and placed into the newly established nurseries.

The intentional inclusion of multiple genotypes across species represents a strategic shift from basic coral gardening toward climate-smart restoration, ensuring the nurseries function not only as grow-out structures but also as a community-managed genetic reservoir for future restoration, monitoring, and adaptive management.

 

 

 

 

 

Coral Attachment Methods and Nursery Configuration

Figure 15: materials for the table nursery

 

Figure 16: Diagram of how the table nursery was assembled on land.

 

Figure 17: Showing how to assemble each of the materials.

Figure 18: Preparing the A-frame materials on land

Figure 19: The final assembled a-frames ready to be placed in the nursery and using bricks or big stones to provide anchoring.

 

Figure 20: Attaching the ropes to the a-frames.

Figure 21: Showing how the coral are tied to the frames with cable ties.

Following harvesting and preparation, coral fragments were attached to the nursery structures using species- and morphology-appropriate methods designed to maximise stability, growth, and survival while minimising stress and tissue damage.

Attachment techniques were selected based on coral growth form, nursery design, and local environmental conditions:

• Acropora staghorn (branching form):
  Staghorn coral fragments were secured using rope ties along the horizontal lines of both the A-frame and table nurseries. This method allowed fragments to hang naturally in the water column, reducing sediment accumulation, enhancing water flow, and promoting even growth.
• Acropora tabulate and Acropora digitate (plate and finger forms):
  Tabulate and digitate fragments were directly attached to the nursery frames using cable ties, providing firm anchorage, preventing movement under wave action, and ensuring stable positioning conducive to plate expansion and upright finger growth.

Facilitators guided participants on correct tensioning, spacing, and orientation to avoid tissue abrasion and to ensure optimal light exposure and water circulation. Community members practiced these techniques collaboratively, strengthening technical consistency and local capacity across all nursery structures.

 

 

Coral Color Morph Diversity and Visual Identification

In addition to species and genotype diversity, deliberate attention was given to coral colour morphs during harvesting and nursery placement. Colour variation was used as a practical, field-based visual indicator to support genotype differentiation, monitoring, and adaptive management.

The following colour morphs were recorded:

• Acropora staghorn (branching):
  Blue, white-tipped, brown, purple
• Acropora digitate (finger form):
  Brown, pink
• Acropora tabulate (table form):
  Green, brown, pink-brownish

Documenting colour morphs enables visual tracking of individual fragments over time and provides an accessible method for community monitors to detect pigmentation changes that may indicate stress responses, bleaching susceptibility, or recovery trends.

Figure 22: Brown and white tips of the Acropora staghorn dominant within the kaviak reefs.

Technical Annex 1: Coral Species, Genotype, Colour Morph, and Attachment Summary

Coral Species (Growth Form)	No. of Genotypes	Colour Morphs Observed	No. of Fragments Collected	Nursery Type	Attachment Method
Acropora staghorn (branching)	4 genotypes	Blue, White-tipped, Brown, Purple	40 fragments	A-frame & Table	Rope-tied onto horizontal nursery lines
Acropora tabulate (table/plate)	3 genotypes	Green, Brown, Pink-brownish	16 fragments	A-frame & Table	Cable-tied directly to frame
Acropora digitate (finger form)	2 genotypes	Brown, Pink	30 fragments	A-frame & Table	Cable-tied directly to frame
TOTAL	9 genotypes	—	86 fragments	7 nurseries	—

Purpose of this approach:
The intentional combination of species diversity, genotype representation, colour morph variation, and appropriate attachment methods strengthens coral survival, supports climate resilience, and establishes the nurseries as a community-managed coral gene bank.

 

Figure 23: Two of our youth participants from Kaviak tying the corals to the table frames.

 

Technical Annex 2: Community Coral Nursery Monitoring Checklist

Monitoring Frequency

• Weekly: General inspection and cleaning
• Monthly: Growth, colour, and attachment checks
• After extreme events: Storms, heatwaves, or heavy rainfall

A. Coral Health & Colour Monitoring

☐ Colour consistent with original morph
☐ Slight fading (early stress indicator)
☐ Partial paling or patchy bleaching
☐ Full bleaching (urgent action required)
☐ Tissue damage or algal overgrowth

Colour change serves as a primary early-warning indicator of thermal stress, sedimentation, or water quality issues.

B. Growth and Stability Check

☐ Fragment securely attached
☐ Rope ties intact (staghorn)
☐ Cable ties intact (tabulate & digitate)
☐ Upright orientation
☐ Evidence of new growth

C. Nursery Structure & Environment

☐ Frame stable
☐ No excessive sediment
☐ Adequate water flow☐ No fishing gear or anchor damage
☐ No signs of interference

 

 

D. Maintenance Actions

☐ Cleaning completed
☐ Ropes re-tied or replaced
☐ Cable ties replaced
☐ Dislodged fragments repositioned
☐ Major issues reported to CBO leadership

E. Governance & Compliance

☐ Customary closure respected
☐ No fishing in nursery area
☐ Community awareness maintained
☐ Clan monitors active

Monitoring Value

This monitoring system enables the Kaviak community to:

• Track coral survival and growth trends
• Detect early bleaching events
• Strengthen local stewardship and enforcement
• Generate data for future reporting, scaling, and policy engagement

 

Day 5 (Friday): Data Management, Reflection, Closing Ceremony, and Certification

The final day of the training focused on data management, reflection, consolidation of learning, and celebration of achievements, marking a critical transition from capacity building to long-term community-led implementation and accountability.

Morning Session: Data Management, Governance, and Evaluation

The morning session commenced with a focused training on data management, introducing participants to what data is, how it can be collected, and why it is essential for effective community-based conservation and organisational development.

Participants were guided through:

• What constitutes data and the types of data relevant to community conservation projects
• How to collect data accurately and consistently
• The benefits of data collection for monitoring coral nurseries, tracking progress, strengthening reporting, and supporting future funding and partnerships

This session emphasised the importance of data in coral nursery monitoring, customary marine management, and evidence-based decision-making.

Building on this foundation, facilitators explained the requirements for registering a Community-Based Organisation (CBO). Participants learned about:

• Governance structures and executive roles
• Registration and documentation requirements
• Compliance, transparency, and accountability obligations
• The long-term benefits of registration for legitimacy, partnerships, and sustainability

Following the technical sessions, facilitators conducted one-on-one interviews with selected participants, capturing qualitative reflections and personal overviews of the training. These interviews provided deeper insights into participant learning, confidence levels, and community perspectives on coral restoration and climate change adaptation.

As part of the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) process, the Administrator facilitated the post-training survey, collecting structured feedback from participants to assess knowledge gained, skill development, relevance of content, and overall training effectiveness.

The morning session concluded with a group photo involving all participants, symbolising unity, shared achievement, and collective ownership of the outcomes of the five-day training.

 

Figure 24: Participants having discussions on registering their community based organization (CBO).

Afternoon Session: Closing Ceremony, Certification, and Community Commitments

The afternoon session commenced at 3:00 pm, with the wider community gathering alongside local-level government officers, community leaders, elders, facilitators, and participants for the formal closing ceremony.

The ceremony provided space for reflection, cultural exchange, and appreciation. Community leaders and facilitators participated in a small but meaningful exchange of gifts, reflecting customary values of respect, gratitude, and reciprocity.

Participants were invited to reflect on their learning journey, sharing how their understanding of coral reef ecosystems, climate change impacts, and community-based restoration had evolved over the course of the training. These reflections highlighted:

• Increased confidence and technical understanding
• Strengthened environmental awareness
• A shared sense of responsibility for ongoing reef stewardship

The ceremony also reaffirmed collective commitments to:

• Maintaining and monitoring the coral nurseries
• Respecting and formalising customary governance processes
• Continuing collaboration across clans and leadership structures

Certificates were formally presented to participants in recognition of their successful completion of the training. This recognition reinforced pride, motivation, and ownership, while validating participants’ emerging roles as local stewards, monitors, and leaders in coral restoration and climate adaptation.

Closing Reflection and Forward Commitment

At the conclusion of the training, participants were challenged not to sit with the knowledge gained, but to actively share, apply, and pass on their learning within families, clans, and the wider Kaviak community. Emphasis was placed on collective responsibility to continue building and strengthening the coral nursery and marine conservation program beyond the training period.

Youth representatives demonstrated strong leadership by making a public pledge to construct an additional coral nursery as a continuation of the work initiated during the training. This commitment was directly linked to a performance-based incentive, whereby the youth pledged to complete the additional nursery in order to earn the underwater camera donated by MAKATA.

This pledge reinforced accountability, motivation, and youth ownership, while highlighting the importance of youth-led monitoring, documentation, and storytelling. The underwater camera will support ongoing coral health monitoring, data collection, and visual documentation, further strengthening the community’s capacity to manage, protect, and showcase their marine resources.

The Day 5 proceedings underscored a central message of the training: that meaningful and lasting conservation is sustained through shared knowledge, continued action, and locally driven leadership, marking the beginning of long-term, community-led coral restoration and climate adaptation efforts in Kaviak Village.

 

 

 

Figure 25:  63 participants graduating from the 6-days
Reef Restoration training pausing for a group photo
with East New Britain Sea Keepers and MAKATA'S
staff.  Picture by Wenceslaus Magun 

7. Key Achievements

 

The Coral Restoration and Climate Change Adaptation Training achieved strong ecological, social, and governance outcomes within a short implementation period. Key achievements include:

•  63 community members (youth, women, elders, fishers, and leaders) actively participated across all five days
• Seven (7) coral nurseries established, comprising:
• Five (5) A-frame nurseries
• Two (2) table nurseries
• Eighty-six (86) coral fragments successfully harvested and established across nine (9) genotypes
• Coral nursery site identified and agreed upon as a community coral gene bank
• Community-based maintenance and monitoring teams formed, including youth and elders
• Youth leadership strengthened, with a formal pledge to construct an additional nursery
• Initiation of customary closure (tabu area) discussions involving all clans
• Strengthened collaboration between elders, women, youth, CBO leadership, and local authorities

These achievements demonstrate the effectiveness of combining technical training with community governance and cultural practice.

8. Community Governance and Customary Marine Management

One of the most significant outcomes of the training was the strengthening of customary marine governance through collective dialogue and shared action.

The coral nursery area was collectively recognised as a shared community asset requiring protection, respect, and long-term stewardship. Facilitated discussions brought together representatives from all clans to begin outlining a customary closure (tabu area) around the nursery site.

Key governance elements discussed included:

• Proposed boundaries of the customary closure
• Rules for access and use, particularly restrictions on fishing and harvesting
• Clan roles and responsibilities for monitoring, enforcement, and conflict resolution
• Integration of customary rules with CBO leadership and youth monitoring teams

These discussions marked a critical step toward formalising traditional marine management as a climate adaptation strategy, reinforcing community authority, accountability, and intergenerational leadership.

Figure 26: Picture showing the boundary of the nursery site, its marked with two floaters on each end of the nursery.

Figure 27 Figure 24: Kaviak CBO gathered with clan leaders and resources owners to discuss their customary closure.

Figure 28: Facilitators with the community during consultation discussions around the customary closure and alternative sustainable livelihood programs.

9. Challenges land Lessons Learned

Challenges Encountered

While the training was successfully implemented, several challenges were identified:

• Weather and tidal conditions required adaptive scheduling and flexibility
• Participants entered the training with varying levels of prior knowledge, requiring facilitators to balance technical depth with accessibility
• Limited access to equipment highlighted the need for locally appropriate, low-cost solutions.

 

Lessons Learned

Key lessons emerging from the training include:

• Integrating traditional ecological knowledge with scientific approaches
• strengthens trust, relevance, and participation
• Hands-on, practical learning significantly increases confidence, skill retention, and ownership
• Governance discussions are most effective when linked to shared, tangible actions such as nursery construction
• Youth engagement is critical for long-term sustainability and monitoring continuity

10. Sustainability and Next Steps

To ensure long-term impact and continuity beyond the training period, the following next steps were identified and agreed upon by the community and facilitators:

• Formalise the customary closure (tabu area) through clan agreements and CBO structures
• Continue regular monitoring and maintenance of coral nurseries using the agreed checklist
• Support the youth-led construction of an additional coral nursery
• Use the donated underwater camera to strengthen monitoring, documentation, and storytelling
• Expand coral propagation and plan for future out planting sites
• Train additional community members as local facilitators and monitors
• Explore partnerships for technical support, funding, and policy alignment

These steps position Kaviak Village to scale from a pilot initiative to a long-term, community-led coral restoration program.

11. Monitoring and Evaluation

Coral Training and Restoration Program

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Approach

Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) for the Coral Training and Restoration Program was designed to assess changes in knowledge, awareness, confidence, and community commitment among participants. A Pre-Training Survey and a Post-Training Survey were administered to measure learning outcomes and program effectiveness.

Quantitative data were analysed using pivot tables and graphical representations, while qualitative insights were captured through open-ended responses. This approach ensured that both measurable outcomes and participant experiences were documented.

 

2. Data Collection Methods

2.1 Pre-Training Survey

The pre-training survey assessed:

• Baseline awareness of coral reefs and coral restoration
• Existing knowledge and experience
• Initial attitudes toward coral conservation

This survey was administered before any training activities commenced to establish a baseline.

2.2 Post-Training Survey

The post-training survey assessed:

• Knowledge gained in coral science and restoration
• Confidence in applying restoration skills
• Commitment to community-based conservation
• Overall training experience and satisfaction

This survey was conducted immediately after there training.

 

3. Key Monitoring Indicators

Indicator	Measurement Tool
Awareness of coral restoration	Pre-Training Survey
Knowledge of coral restoration techniques	Post-Training Survey
Confidence in coral restoration activities	Post-Training Survey
Community commitment	Post-Training Survey
Training satisfaction	Post-Training Survey

 

4. Results and Analysis

4.1 Baseline Awareness (Pre-Training)

Indicator: Coral Restoration Awareness

Pivot Table Summary:

Response	Number of Participants
No	17
A Little	6
Yes	5

Figure 29: Bar Graph showing the Participant responses on Pre training coral restoration awareness.

Interpretation:
The majority of participants entered the program with little to no awareness of coral restoration. This confirmed a strong need for targeted training and justified the program’s focus on foundational coral science and restoration concepts.

4.2 Knowledge Acquisition (Post-Training)

Indicator: Coral Restoration Knowledge

Pivot Table Summary:

Response	Number of Participants
Yes	25
A Little	2
No	1

Figure 30: Bar graph showing the post coral restoration knowledge.

 

Interpretation:
Post-training results demonstrate a substantial improvement in knowledge, with the vast majority of participants reporting clear understanding of coral restoration. This represents a significant positive shift from the pre-training baseline.

4.3 Confidence in Coral Restoration Activities

Indicator: Confidence After Coral Training

Response	Number of Participants
Confident	28
Somewhat Confident	1

 

Figure 31: Pie graph showing the confidence level percentage.

 

Interpretation:
Nearly all participants reported feeling confident in applying coral restoration skills. This indicates that the training successfully translated theory into practical understanding.

4.4 Community Commitment

Indicator: Commitment to Community-Based Conservation

Response	Number of Participants
Yes	29

 

Figure 32: Pie graph showing the community commitment after the training

Interpretation:
All participants expressed commitment to supporting coral restoration and conservation efforts within their community. This highlights strong local ownership and sustainability potential.

 

5. Pre- and Post-Training Comparison (Outcome-Level Evaluation)

Indicator	Pre-Training	Post-Training
Coral Restoration Awareness	Mostly “No”	Overwhelmingly “Yes”
Knowledge Level	Limited	High
Confidence	Not assessed / low baseline	Nearly 100% confident
Community Commitment	Emerging	100% commitment

Figure 33: Graph showing the comparison on the pre and post training of the coral restoration knowledge and change

Overall Outcome:
The comparison clearly shows a positive learning trajectory, with participants moving from limited awareness to high levels of knowledge, confidence, and commitment.

6. Participant Feedback (Qualitative Insights)

Open-ended responses indicate that participants:

• Learned to identify coral species
• Understood coral bleaching and threats
• Gained hands-on experience in nursery construction and monitoring
• Valued the practical, community-based learning approach

These qualitative insights reinforce the quantitative findings.

7. Effectiveness and Impact Assessment

The M&E results demonstrate that the Coral Training and Restoration Program was:

• Highly effective in increasing knowledge and awareness
• Successful in building practical confidence
• Strong in fostering community ownership
• Aligned with long-term sustainability and local leadership development

8. Limitations

• Surveys were conducted immediately post-training and do not yet capture long-term retention.
• Future evaluations will include follow-up surveys and field monitoring of coral restoration sites.

9. Recommendations for Future Monitoring

1. Conduct 6-month and 12-month follow-up surveys
2. Integrate coral health monitoring data with training outcomes
3. Track participant involvement in ongoing restoration activities
4. Use trained participants as peer mentors for future cohorts

10. Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

The Coral Training and Restoration Program directly contributes to multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Monitoring and Evaluation results demonstrate clear alignment with the following goals:

i)                SDG 14: Life Below Water

The program strengthens local capacity for coral reef conservation and restoration. Post-training survey results show significant improvement in coral restoration knowledge, confidence, and commitment, supporting the sustainable use and protection of marine ecosystems.

ii)              SDG 13: Climate Action

By building community understanding of coral bleaching, climate-related threats, and resilience-based restoration, the program enhances local adaptive capacity to climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.

iii)            SDG 5: Gender Equality

The training promoted inclusive participation and encouraged women and youth involvement in marine conservation activities, supporting gender equity and leadership opportunities within community-based environmental initiatives.

iv)             SDG 4: Quality Education

The program delivered practical, community-based environmental education, resulting in measurable learning outcomes and improved confidence among participants.

v)               SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The initiative strengthened partnerships between community members, local leaders, facilitators, and supporting organizations, demonstrating the value of collaborative approaches to sustainable development.

10. Conclusion

The Monitoring and Evaluation findings confirm that the Coral Training and Restoration Program significantly improved participant knowledge, confidence, and commitment. The strong pre- and post-training outcomes demonstrate the program’s effectiveness in building local capacity for sustainable marine conservation and community-led coral restoration.

12. Conclusion

The Kaviak Village Coral Restoration and Climate Change Adaptation Training clearly demonstrate that community-led, culturally grounded approaches can deliver meaningful and lasting climate adaptation outcomes.

By exceeding its initial objectives, the program established not only physical coral restoration infrastructure, but also strengthened:

• Community governance
• Youth leadership
• Traditional stewardship systems
• Local capacity for monitoring and adaptation

The foundations laid during these five days position Kaviak Village as a model for locally driven coral restoration and climate adaptation for island and coastal communities across Papua New Guinea.

This training marks the beginning of an ongoing journey, where shared knowledge, collective responsibility, and sustained action will continue to guide the protection and restoration of Kaviak’s marine ecosystems for future generations.

 

 13.                  Appendix

                Pre Training Survey Attached

                Post Training Survey Attached

                Participants Attendance List Attached

                Pre Training Survey Answers Scanned

                Post Training Survey Answers Scanned