Mombasa’s Coral Restoration Swim Restores 1 Hectare of Reef

One year after the inaugural Coral Builder Swim (News #251), KMFRI confirmed that the 120 3D-printed reef structures deployed by swimmers now host thriving coral colonies—covering 1.2 hectares and supporting 42 fish species. Sport built an ecosystem, said Dr. Salim Ali. Survivorship rates hit 89%, far exceeding traditional methods. Safaricom’s *Adopt-a-Reef* program raised KSh 25 million for Phase 2: 500 more units in 2026. UNEP will feature the project at COP30. A documentary, *The Swim That Grew a Forest*, releases in December.