Full Name: Rolf Voorhuis
Home Country: The Netherlands
Ocean activity: Coral reef conservation through community-based projects.
Projects to protect endangered marine life.
Conservation of marine ecosystems that are ecologically linked to coral reefs e.g. mangrove forests.
Website: www.coralreefcare.com
Instagram: @coralreefcare
What makes you an “Underwater Lunatic”?
I feel true happiness when I put my diving mask underwater and see marine life thrive. The different life forms, the colors, the interactions, the movements, the biology, it is all fascinating and keeps surprising me every day.
How did your love for the ocean emerge?
When I was 6 years old I saw a movie from Jacques Yves Cousteau. From then on I was in love with the ocean and marine life.
What motivated you to start Coral Reef Care? Can you share a particular moment or event that inspired you?
In 1998 I visited the Sinai (Red Sea) for the 3rd time and saw the reef struggling with the increase in tourism. It hurt me intensely to see that nothing was done to protect the corals. It was then and there that I decided to start Coral Reef Care.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your restoration efforts, and how have you overcome them?
There are many challenges in restoration, too many to mention, unfortunately. Climate change is one of the biggest. We address the problem to a wider audience through social media, and the footprint of our teams is of course kept to the absolute minimum. Since 2023 we have increased initiating mangrove conservation projects known for their high carbon sequestration.
How does your organization engage local communities in the restoration process?
We involve local communities from the start in our projects through awareness, education, and sensitization sessions. For the conservation work we hire members of the local community; often fishermen, thus creating alternative income from fishing.
Looking forward, what are the major goals your NGO aims to achieve in the next years?
Our focus lies on creating more Marine Protected Areas, the most effective way to restore a marine ecosystem.
Who is your greatest source of inspiration?
My mother! She was always there for people in need. From her, I learned that the weakest need our help. This has always been an inspiration for me when protecting the most sensitive ecosystem in the world.
If you had the power to change one aspect of today’s world, what would it be?
Overconsumption.
What advice would you give to individuals aspiring to go into the field of conservation?
Before joining any NGO or starting any project, do a study on what really helps conserve and restore ecosystems. First assess possibilities how to really make a difference. Protecting large areas has the highest impact, and restoration is just a tool in the tool box of conservation.
