The Panama Project · Rotary Club of Newport Beach
Rotaract Reefs
Educate. Inspire. Restore.
What started as a single, modest Rotary club project to restore coral reefs in Bocas del Toro, Panama has grown into one of the most comprehensive community-impact models in the Rotary world — and it's still just getting started.
The Initiative
What Is Rotary Reefs?
Rotary Reefs is the coral and marine restoration initiative at the heart of The Panama Project. Working with local scientists, community members, and partner organizations, the team builds reef structures, cultivates specially grown corals, and establishes responsibly managed protected marine zones on Isla Solarte.
Marine Life Returning
Areas once bleached and degraded are now showing measurable signs of recovery and biodiversity.
Marine Life Returning
Areas once bleached and degraded are now showing measurable signs of recovery and biodiversity.
Marine Life Returning
Areas once bleached and degraded are now showing measurable signs of recovery and biodiversity.
"Seeing these thriving coral colonies firsthand made it clear that coral restoration is not only possible — it's urgently needed. Spotting a large nurse shark near the reef was an unforgettable moment."
Donna Jones — President, Rotary Club of Ojai West
Why It Matters
Good for the Ocean. Great for the Community.
Donating to Ayuda International — a 501(c)(3) organization — isn't just an investment in ocean health, it's an investment in the people who live beside it. Every reef structure deployed creates habitat for marine life, supports local fisheries, attracts ecotourism, and helps train community members as reef stewards and environmental educators.
Sponsoring a reef supports the sustainability of the entire 4-7-8-17 inspired project, funding coral and mangrove restoration, turtle protection and marine zone management, solar innovation, education programs for local families and youth, healthcare outreach including dental clinics for children on remote islands, and local business development.
When you sponsor a Rotary Reef, your contribution ripples outward — from the seafloor to the schoolroom, from the coastline to the community clinic.
Get Involved
There's a Place for You in This Work
Whether you're a Rotary club looking for an international project, an individual donor who cares about ocean health, or an organization seeking a partner with global impact frameworks.
Sponsor a Reef
Fund coral restoration and community programs with a named reef donation.
Visit & Volunteer
Join a mission trip to Bocas del Toro and experience the impact firsthand.
Partner Your Club
Apply the 4-7-8-17 framework and connect with a global network of impact-driven clubs.
Voices from the Field
Words from Those Who Lived It
GaThe Rotary Reef Project by the Rotary Club of Newport Beach
Support the Mission
Sponsor a Reef, Change a Community
Every contribution ripples outward — from the seafloor to the schoolroom, from the coastline to the community clinic.
Sponsor Coral Restoration
Support reef ecosystem restoration efforts
Support Community Programs
Support Community Programs
Fund Environmental Education
Support youth and conservation learning programs