Coral Kids and the Coral Gardener.

Coral Kids is a marine conservation photography series created in Aitutaki, Cook Islands. The project follows children as they learn to restore coral reefs under the guidance of a self-taught, self-appointed coral guardian. Blending art and documentary, the series reveals how conservation, education, and culture converge in the search for solutions to urgent environmental challenges.

Restoring Coral in Aitutaki

Aitutaki’s lagoon is a highly diverse marine environment, but warming seas and bleaching events have severely impacted local reefs. With no institutional support, a self-taught coral gardener began salvaging coral fragments, experimenting with ropes, nails, and natural techniques to keep fragile species alive.

Children as Caretakers of the Ocean

Over time, schoolchildren led by their teacher joined him. Many had to learn to swim before they could even begin. Today, they help collect fragments, tie them to ropes, and tend the reef as part of their environmental education. Their work is not only ecological but also cultural, reviving ancestral connections to the sea while shaping a new generation of caretakers.

Photographing Marine Conservation

Shot with natural light and minimal interference, Coral Kids reflects my practice as an environmental documentary photographer. These images were captured during dives and community sessions in Aitutaki. The series celebrates resilience, adaptation, and the fragile beauty of coral, while also documenting a profound act of hope led by children.

For exhibition, licensing, or collaboration opportunities related to Coral Kids, please contact Raquel Trejo, an Adelaide-based photographer and environmental storyteller.

Support the Coral Kids project and help bring this story of community-led coral restoration to the world. Your contribution directly funds the documentation, exhibition, and dissemination of this work, enabling the voices of Aitutaki’s children and their vital conservation efforts to reach global audiences.