Rotary Reef

Rotary Reefs Project

Restoring Oceans Through Global Collaboration

The Rotary Reef Project by The Rotary Club of Newport Beach

ABOUT US!

About The Project

The Rotary Reef project started as a single, modest initiative, a Rotary club project to help restore coral reefs in the stunning archipelago of Bocas del Toro, Panama. What nobody anticipated : was how quickly that one act of service would grow into something far larger: a living proof of concept that Rotary’s values, when applied with intention, can transform entire communities.

Causes You Care About And Fundraising For The Environment !

Donate

Sponsor Coral Restoration

Support reef ecosystem restoration efforts.

Support Community Programs

Help support schools and healthcare initiatives.

Fund Environmental Education

Support youth and conservation learning programs.

Support Cleanup Operations

Help fund beach and underwater cleanup initiatives.

Support Scientific Collaboration

Help expand research and conservation partnerships.

Rotary Reefs 2.0. 2025/2026 Project

Too Many Extractions
The six-foot Rotary Reef Top
Walking a class on Isla Popa to get Floride Varnish on their teeth.
Applying Fluoride Varnish
Past RI President Mark Maloney loves our Rotary Reef Project

Testimonials

Hear what others experienced on our latest mission to Panama. We invite you to visit, learn, and help carry this powerful vision across the 7 Seas—spreading impact, one community at a time.

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“I was drawn to the Rotary Reefs initiative because my club, Rotary Ojai West, was looking for an international project. We had just formed an Environmental Committee, so coral reef restoration in Panama seemed like a perfect fit.”

Donna Jones. President, Rotary Club of Ojai West
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“I spent 10 days in Bocas del Toro, Panama, and I must say the leadership from Steven Bender was nothing less than five-star. Steven’s knowledge, leadership, and passion for the Panama projects were evident every day.”

Debra Trout-Rotary Club of San Luis Obispo de Tolosa
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There are many lasting images from our ten days in Bocas del Toro, working alongside dedicated Rotarians and other service organizations. It was a perfect blend of adventure and hands-on projects with this very special community. 

Beverly Schuberth/Rotary Club of Ojai West
Eric

“As a proud Rotarian and owner at Tropical Arts, I’ve had the pleasure to witness firsthand the transformative impact of The Panama Project in Bocas del Toro.”

Eric Veenstra – Tropical Arts, Bocas del Toro