A New Week, A New Reason to Be Amazed
It’s a brand new week—and with it comes another uplifting story, the kind that warms your heart and sparks hope. Stories that remind you yes, you can absolutely be part of a green revolution. One that’s building a better planet through projects rooted in love, respect, and a deep care for the environment.
This Week’s Story Will Make You Want to Pack Your Snorkel
This time, we’re diving into an initiative that’s all about boosting coral restoration through conservation tourism. Sounds a bit technical? Don’t worry—you’re about to get seriously curious about this breathtaking region in northern Colombia.
The story unfolds on Isla Fuerte, in Bolívar, Colombia, just off the Gulf of Morrosquillo. This magical spot is known for its rich Zenú Indigenous heritage—a pre-Hispanic civilization famous for its pottery and clay craftsmanship. And that cultural legacy sparked a brilliant idea: the creation of an underwater museum.
Yep, you read that right. Beneath the turquoise waters surrounding the island, you’ll now find about 50 replicas of Zenú-inspired sculptures and artisanal pieces. But here’s the twist: inside each sculpture are around 6,000 artificial corals, strategically placed to relieve pressure from the island’s natural reefs by redirecting tourism traffic.
It’s creative, it’s beautiful, and it’s a powerful example of how culture and conservation can work together to protect our oceans.
From Fashion to the Ocean: A Designer’s Dream to Save the Reefs
This magical project was born from the heart of fashion designer Tatiana Orrego, who found a beautiful way to bring together her love for coral conservation and her desire to share the ancestral legacy of the Zenú people.
The project is called MUSZIF—Colombia’s very first underwater museum—and it’s a family-rooted initiative with a mission to preserve coral reefs through powerful community-driven actions. One of its standout programs is “Guardians of the Sea”, where local youth take the lead in raising awareness among tourists and participating in coral planting efforts.
This is sustainable tourism in action: visitors are not just wowed by the beauty of the sea—they’re also educated about the critical role of corals in marine ecosystems. And here’s a mind-blowing fact: corals are responsible for producing between 50% and 85% of the planet’s oxygen. So yeah, they’re way more than just decorative underwater rocks.
Before launching, the project went through a full research phase, where the team studied archaeological artifacts and tested materials to make sure the sculptures placed underwater could serve as effective coral containers. Today, the initiative is backed by a multidisciplinary team that strengthens its impact—featuring a marine biologist, a scientific illustrator, and a scientific photographer.
The MUSZIF experience unfolds in two parts: first, a consciousness-raising talk that prepares tourists for the importance of protecting marine life; then, the main event—a 40-minute dive with oxygen tanks through the museum itself, which spans about 50 square meters of underwater magic.
This isn’t just a tourism experience—it’s a deep dive into culture, science, and love for the ocean.
Now It’s Your Turn to Dream Big
So tell us—what innovative idea would you come up with to share your roots with the world, while also raising awareness about protecting and caring for the environment?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Let your story inspire change.