Monica Gamboa

Ecuadorian marine biologist leading coral restoration in the Galápagos Islands

Monica Gamboa (b. 1985) is pioneering coral reef regeneration in the Galápagos Islands through her project Coral Vida. Facing unprecedented coral bleaching from climate change, Gamboa developed a novel '3D-printed coral skeleton' technique using locally sourced materials. This method accelerates coral growth by 400% compared to natural recovery rates.

Her team's work at Wolf and Darwin Islands has restored over 2,000m² of reef since 2018, creating habitats for endangered marine species like the Galápagos shark. Gamboa's organization trains local fishers in reef monitoring, transforming former fishermen into conservationists. A 2021 study in Nature Sustainability highlighted her approach as a global model for coral restoration.

Gamboa's work intersects with climate justice advocacy. She co-founded the Amazon-Andes Ocean Coalition, linking Andean glacier preservation with coastal marine health. Her documentary "Coral Heart" explains these connections to international audiences. Recently, she advised Ecuador's government on creating the world's first 'coral rights' legal framework.