In the face of mounting climate threats to marine biodiversity, the Global Environment Facility funded Coral Reef Rescue Project (GEF CRR), has united governments, organizations and communities across 6 countries (Fiji, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, Solomon Islands, Tanzania) and beyond to advance coral reef conservation. Through this ambitious project, progress has been made across four key components, including innovations in education, policy, financial sustainability and communication. Here’s a look at the latest achievements over the past year.   

As part of establishing a global network of knowledge practitioners dedicated to coral reef conservation, the rollout of CRRI101x, an introductory online course, has seen substantial engagement, particularly in Indonesia following the course’s translation into Indonesian in August 2024.  The course currently has over 800 participants, reflecting the growing interest in coral reef health and resilience across a global audience.   

In support of data-driven decision-making, workshops held in July and August brought together stakeholders from all countries to share their perspectives and ideas about the development of a Decision Support Tool (DST) for near-real-time monitoring of coral reefs. This tool, which will consolidate data from multiple sources, is expected to enhance the decision-making capabilities of project countries.  

All National Technical Facilities (NTFs: in-country executing partners) have worked collaboratively this past year to strengthen national coral reef resilience. Examples of this foundational progress include:  

• Fiji’s National Hub for Coral Reef Conservation, launched in June 2024 and formally endorsed by the Fiji Ministry of Environment and Climate Change in October 2024, integrates traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) and unites stakeholders under the National Ocean Policy Steering Committee.  
• In the Solomon Islands, the Cost/Benefit and Threats/Opportunity analyses are near completion, with draft reports and recommendations being presented to the Technical Working Groups.  These in-depth reports will, in turn, inform the overarching National Action Plan for Coral Reefs.   
• An innovative “buddy” system, established by Reef Check Indonesia, partners community members with NGOs to enable and encourage inclusive representation in coral reef conservation decisions.   
• Community visions and key lessons learned from multistakeholder workshops across the coast of Tanzania have been consolidated and incorporated into a draft National Action Plan for Conservation for Resilient Coral Reefs (NAPCRCR).  
• To ensure coordination and effective engagement with all stakeholders, Madagascar is creating both national and regional hubs for coral reef conservation.  These hubs will leverage an existing platform – the Blue Economy cluster.  

The CRR Project has also recently joined forces with Terranomics, a consultancy firm experienced in leveraging financial systems at both the local and global levels to promote conservation, sustainable land management and climate solutions.  Terranomics will offer support and technical advice to the project countries to mobilise private and public investment opportunities to address the multiple drivers of coral reef degradation and increase sustainable finance over the long term.   

Acknowledging the need to secure long-term conservation funding, Tanzania’s NTF - Marine Parks and Reserves Unit (MPRU) - is developing the country’s first Marine Conservation Trust Fund. This pioneering fund is set to provide sustainable financial support for coral reef protection and other marine initiatives. The Solomon Islands has established a Technical Working Group uniting government, NGOs, the private sector, and local communities to explore sustainable financing options. 

The GEF CRR Project profile was recently lifted at the 10th GEF International Waters Conference (IWC10) in Uruguay.  At IWC10, the project team engaged global International Waters stakeholders in collaborative discussions on coral reef conservation. Represented by UQID’s Project Management Unit, NTF and government focal points from Indonesia and Fiji, and the WWF GEF Agency Project Manager, the team hosted an interactive booth and a clinic session, showcasing “National Hubs” as innovative platforms for coral reef governance. Drawing on successes in Fiji and Indonesia, the session highlighted how national hubs foster partnerships and long-term conservation strategies, sparking valuable dialogue on sustaining coral reef resilience for future generations. 

As the CRR Project progresses, it continues to forge a sustainable future for coral reefs worldwide. By fostering collaboration, embracing technology, and addressing climate challenges, the six countries working on this project are demonstrating that, with commitment and resources, we can safeguard these critical ecosystems.  

For more information, please contact [Jennifer Dunn]: [Jennifer.dunn@uq.edu.au] 

About the project: The GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue project is a global initiative that is working to safeguard globally significant climate refuge reefs in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Indonesia, Philippines, Madagascar and Tanzania.  

Photo credit: VitalyEdush in iStock photo.

Words by Jennifer Dunn.