We Are
Reef Renewal
We Are Reef Renewal
a love of the ocean, and a desire to protect and restore our coral reefs.
Today that urgency has only grown: never before have we faced greater challenges to an entire ecosystem.
Twenty years ago, Ken Nedimyer saw a troubling pattern in the decline of the reefs of the Florida Keys. Inspired to find a solution, he started their first coral nursery. He didn’t have much guidance, as not many people were working in reef restoration yet. Therefore methods were developed slowly, but giant strides were made.
It shouldn’t take new projects another 20 years to get to where we are today. There is no more time to reinvent the wheel.
Because of the experience gained and skills developed while helping others set up reef restoration programs, we are confident in the team we’ve assembled here at Reef Renewal International. Additionally, we provide the tools and support our partners need to build thriving, successful restoration programs in their own communities.
Only together, we can give coral reefs their best chance of a healthy future.
OUR MISSION IS TO RESTORE AND PROTECT CORAL REEFS WORLDWIDE
OUR MISSION IS TO RESTORE AND PROTECT CORAL REEFS WORLDWIDE
Reef Renewal Staff
Francesca Virdis
Coordinator
“Saving coral reefs Is one of the greatest challenge of our time. We have to get together now and join forces to make a difference and
preserve this uniquely biodiverse and stunning ecosystems. “
Rosaly van Dansik
Assistant Marketing,
Communication & Fundraising
"I have seen the importance of a healthy reef first-hand while working in ocean conservation around the world. I'm excited to contribute to our reefs in a positive way.
Francesca Virdis
Coordinator
“Saving coral reefs is one of the greatest challenge of our time. We have to get together now and join forces to make a difference and
preserve this uniquely biodiverse and stunning ecosystems. “
Rosaly van Dansik
Assistant Marketing,
Communication & Fundraising
"I have seen the importance of a healthy reef first-hand while working in ocean conservation around the world. I'm excited to contribute to our reefs in a positive way."
Board of Directors
Martien van der Valk
President of the Board
"Coral reefs are very important for our ecosystem. Our goal is to restore reef habitats to make sure future generations can also enjoy the beauty of the underwater life; the work of Reef Renewal Foundation will make this possible."
Paul Coolen
Vice President, Treasurer of the Board
"Our family has been working within the dive industry for decades and without reefs no diving! I feel obliged to try to save our legacy for our little girls."
David J. Fishman
Secretary of the Board
"Having long been inspired by the diversity and the beauty of coral reefs, it’s exciting to engage with this smart & dedicated team working to understand and restore what we love."
Jerry Beaty
Director
"It's been rough watching the state of the reefs decline over the years. I'm proud to be part of an organization taking the problem head on."
Ken Nedimyer
Director
"To rise to meet some of the biggest challenges our reefs have ever faced, we need to work together, collaborate and empower each other."
Martien van der Valk
President of the Board
"Coral reefs are very important for our ecosystem. Our goal is to restore reef habitats to make sure future generations can also enjoy
the beauty of the underwater life; the work of Reef Renewal Foundation will make
this possible."
David J. Fishman
Secretary of the Board
"Having long been inspired by the diversity and the beauty of coral reefs, it’s exciting to engage with this smart & dedicated team working to understand and restore what we love."
Jerry Beaty
Director
"It's been rough watching the state of the reefs decline over the years. I'm proud to be part of an organization taking the problem head on."
Paul Coolen
Vice President, Treasurer of the Board
"Our family has been working within the dive industry for decades and without reefs no diving! I feel obliged to try to save our legacy for our little girls."
Ken Nedimyer
Director
"To rise to meet some of the biggest
challenges our reefs have ever faced,
we need to work together, collaborate
and empower each other."
Our vision is to realize a worldwide network
where knowledge and experience is shared and ocean awareness is promoted.
Reefs are protected and restored, reef degradation is halted.