How We Work
How we work.
Every dollar we raise is meant to be traceable, from the moment it arrives to the moment the coral is in the ground. Here is exactly how that will happen.
Three principles. Everything flows from these.
Document everything
Every mission will be filmed from entry to coral planting and published publicly. Every coral is photographed at planting. We document what we find, not what we hoped for.
Track every coral
Each coral fragment planted will be GPS-recorded and followed up at 6 and 12 months with photos and survival data.
Work with scientists
Site selection, species choice, and monitoring methodology are guided by our science partner, not guesswork.
From donation to documented coral.
Five steps. This is what happens between when you give and when you receive your first report.
Baseline survey
Before restoration begins at a site, our Director of Dive Operations and our science partner's scientists conduct a baseline survey: photo transects, species identification, substrate mapping, and water quality assessment.
Raise the funds
Through donor campaigns and grant applications, we secure the operational budget for the mission: travel, dive fees, equipment, and science partnership costs.
Execute the dive
Our dive team enters the water with our science partner. Coral fragments are planted and reef surveys are conducted on site.
Document and publish
Footage from the mission is edited and published. GPS coordinates and photos for each coral fragment are compiled and shared with donors.
Follow up and report
We return to the site at 6 and 12 months to record survival data, and publish what we find, including setbacks.
One integrated model.
Restoration creates the data. Documentation builds trust. The community funds the next mission.
Reef Rescue Dives
Our core program. Funded, science-partnered coral restoration dives at Kontiki, Mactan, Cebu, filmed and published from entry to planting.
Adopt-A-Coral
Sponsor a named coral fragment. We will photograph it at planting and send progress updates at 6 and 12 months.
The Reef Archive
A public record of reef health at our sites: baseline surveys, restoration footage, and recovery data, openly accessible.
We do not guess. We work with scientists.
Every Reef Without Borders field operation is conducted in partnership with a local marine science institution focused on coral reproduction research in the Philippines.
Our science partner's scientists provide ecological guidance on site selection, species choice, and monitoring methodology. Our Director of Dive Operations, Dindo C. Paquibot, is a PADI Instructor with over 20 years of experience in Philippine waters.Science partner
Local Partner
Field lead
Dindo C. Paquibot, PADI Instructor, 20+ years
Location
Kontiki, Mactan, Cebu, within the Coral Triangle
We publish what we find, not what we hoped for.
Most reef organizations publish an annual report. We will publish every dive.
Every dive filmed
From the moment our team enters the water to the last coral planted. The full mission, not edited highlights.
Survival data published
Coral mortality is part of restoration ecology. We will report it honestly, including setbacks.
Per-mission reporting
After each mission, donors will receive photos, coordinates, and survival data, not an annual report wait.
Now you know how we work.
Every dollar you give will be traceable. Every coral will be filmed. Every result will be reported back to you.
FREE 10-MINUTE GUIDE
5 Simple Ways to Protect Coral Reefs
Science-backed, no fluff. Five everyday choices that matter most for reefs. Enter your name and email and we’ll send the PDF straight to your inbox.
No spam. About two emails a month on reef restoration in Cebu. Unsubscribe anytime.
Reef Without Borders
A U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofit restoring coral reefs in Cebu, Philippines through field-based work, scientific monitoring, and community partnerships.
Houston, Texas • info@reefwithoutborders.org • EIN 42-2691547
