The Tres Marias Coral Reef Restoration and Education Project seeks not only to help the communities establish a marine no-take zone in Tres Marias, a previously dynamited reef area, but goes one-step further through coral reef restoration done in April-June 2006 utilizing EcoReef modules from a grant from Seacology. By raising the awareness of the communities around, specifically the youth, on the importance of coral reefs in sustaining fish biomass in the area, the possibility that the benefits of protecting the area’s biodiversity are directly shared by the community, is great. The project demonstrates that strong community involvement, through targeted environmental education, in the establishment and restoration of a natural habitat (e.g., coral reef), would be beneficial to both the communities and El Nido’s natural environment.

The education program is a vital component of coral reef restoration. This includes the conduct of environmental caravans in various barangays, installation of billboards and signages, as well as the active involvement of the community as stewards for stricter enforcement and protection of the sanctuary.

Tres Marias Marine Sanctuary was officially established in 2007. It was recognized as a finalist in the biennial Para el Mar 2017, an award recognizing outstanding Marine Protected Areas in the Philippines.