Our Story
Born from a deep connection to the waters of Seychelles, S.T.O.P transforms the urgency of 'stop' into forward momentum — restoring coral reefs, educating communities, and building a sustainable future for our ocean.
Why We Exist
Seychelles depends on tourism and fisheries — both relying on healthy coral reefs. Climate change is causing alarming loss of coral cover across the islands. The next generation must be actively involved in protecting and restoring these vital ecosystems. This is why we created Seychelles' first Underwater Classroom — combining marine education, hands-on reef restoration, and community engagement to build a generation of ocean guardians who will protect their reefs for decades to come.
Our Journey
From a single research project in Praslin to a leading marine conservation organization — every year brings new milestones in our mission to protect Seychelles' reefs.
The Beginning
Vicky Durand launches coral restoration research in Praslin, documenting reef degradation and pioneering restoration techniques tailored to Seychelles waters.
The Beginning
Vicky Durand launches coral restoration research in Praslin, documenting reef degradation and pioneering restoration techniques tailored to Seychelles waters.
First Coral Nursery
Established the first underwater coral nursery off the coast of Praslin, cultivating resilient coral fragments for transplantation onto degraded reef systems.
First Coral Nursery
Established the first underwater coral nursery off the coast of Praslin, cultivating resilient coral fragments for transplantation onto degraded reef systems.
Education Program
Launched the Underwater Classroom initiative for local schools, bringing marine science education directly to Seychellois students through hands-on reef experiences.
Education Program
Launched the Underwater Classroom initiative for local schools, bringing marine science education directly to Seychellois students through hands-on reef experiences.
Community Growth
Expanded to 3 coral restoration sites across Praslin, trained 50+ community volunteers in reef monitoring and coral gardening techniques.
Community Growth
Expanded to 3 coral restoration sites across Praslin, trained 50+ community volunteers in reef monitoring and coral gardening techniques.
International Recognition
Received the Danny Faure Foundation Ocean Innovation Award for pioneering community-led coral restoration in the Indian Ocean region.
International Recognition
Received the Danny Faure Foundation Ocean Innovation Award for pioneering community-led coral restoration in the Indian Ocean region.
Coral Adoption Launch
Opened the Adopt-a-Coral program to global supporters, connecting people worldwide to individual coral fragments with live tracking and growth updates.
Coral Adoption Launch
Opened the Adopt-a-Coral program to global supporters, connecting people worldwide to individual coral fragments with live tracking and growth updates.
Scaling Impact
500+ corals planted, 2,000+ students educated, 80+ marine species documented. S.T.O.P becomes the leading grassroots marine conservation org in Seychelles.
Scaling Impact
500+ corals planted, 2,000+ students educated, 80+ marine species documented. S.T.O.P becomes the leading grassroots marine conservation org in Seychelles.
Meet The Team
Passionate marine scientists, educators, and community builders dedicated to ocean conservation in the Seychelles.
Our Approach
We combine hands-on reef restoration with education, community science, and sustainable tourism to create lasting impact across the Seychelles.
Coral Restoration
Building artificial reef structures and cultivating coral nurseries to restore degraded reef ecosystems around Praslin and neighboring islands.
Marine Education
Delivering hands-on ocean science programs to local schools through our Underwater Classroom initiative, inspiring the next generation of conservationists.
Community Science
Training local volunteers in reef monitoring, species identification, and data collection, turning community members into citizen scientists.
Reef Monitoring
Conducting regular underwater surveys to track coral health, water quality, and biodiversity, ensuring data-driven conservation decisions.
Recycling & Cleanup
Organizing coastal and underwater cleanups, and partnering with local businesses on recycling programs to reduce marine pollution at its source.
Sustainable Tourism
Developing eco-tourism dive experiences that fund conservation while educating visitors about reef ecology and responsible ocean practices.
Awards & Recognition
Our work has been recognized by leading conservation organizations and government institutions.
Ocean Innovation Award
Danny Faure Foundation
Recognized for pioneering community-led coral restoration techniques in the Western Indian Ocean, demonstrating scalable impact through grassroots engagement and innovative artificial reef construction.
Seychelles Green Initiative Award
Ministry of Environment
Honored for outstanding contribution to marine conservation and environmental education in Seychelles.
Indian Ocean Conservation Fellowship
Indian Ocean Commission
Selected as a model project for community-based reef restoration across Indian Ocean island nations.
Featured in UNEP Coral Report
United Nations Environment Programme
Cited as a case study in community-led coral reef restoration for small island developing states.
Partners & Collaborators
Working alongside government agencies, academic institutions, and conservation organizations to amplify our impact across the Indian Ocean.