G20 CORDAP (Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform)

Coral populations across the Caribbean are rapidly declining due to climate change, diseases, and human activities. While traditional coral reef restoration efforts have focused on enhancing ecosystem services, a group of scientists, coral restoration practitioners, and local communities is pioneering a new approach to prevent species extinction. Introducing one of CORDAP’s most recent awarded projects from CAP 2023! Led by Professor Iliana Baums of the HIFMB Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity at the University of Oldenburg, the team aims to: 🪸 Create a database to track coral IDs and demographic events (e.g., disease or bleaching) 🪸 Co-design this tool with local coral practitioners to ensure it meets their needs 🪸 Identify corals that survived bleaching to inform better restoration strategies 🪸 Test and adapt existing software to make it suitable for managing coral populations The insights from this project will refine coral management processes, creating a model that can be applied to restoration efforts worldwide. The international team spans Germany, the USA, Belize, and Honduras, including members from the Helmholtz Institute for Functional Marine Biodiversity, The Species Conservation Toolkit Initiative and Species360 (USA), Boston University (USA), University of Miami (USA), FRAGMENTS OF HOPE CORP (Belize), Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (USA), and the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) (Honduras). CORDAP supports numerous research initiatives through the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP), working to secure a safe future for corals. The CAP 2024 funding call is open until October 21, 2024, with grants of up to USD $1.5 million per project. Learn more and submit your proposal at cordap.org/awards/ Find out more about this CORDAP-funded project on Channel 5 ⤵ https://lnkd.in/eGd4UArb Photo Courtesy: Fragments of Hope

How are scientists empowering local communities in the Maldives to restore and protect coral reefs? Spoiler alert: it includes AI and underwater robots. In this episode of "To the Rescue of Corals," we highlight Professor Peter Harrison from Southern Cross University, who leads a project bringing together coral experts and stakeholders from Southern Cross University, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Energy Technology (CSIRO), The University of Queensland, Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), QUT (Queensland University of Technology), Maldives Coral Institute, and the Ministry of Fisheries, Marine Resources, and Agriculture in the Maldives. To empower local communities in the Maldives, the team is training stakeholders to capture coral eggs and sperm, which are used to produce genetically diverse coral larvae. They are also using AI, satellite imaging, and a remote-controlled submersible boat to map reefs, monitor bleaching responses, and assess coral genetic diversity. This project demonstrates the power of teamwork by combining scientific expertise with local community involvement, enabling those who depend on coral reefs to actively participate in their preservation. CORDAP is supporting numerous research initiatives across the globe through the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) to save corals from functional extinction. You too can help us secure a safe future for corals. All donations and contributions to the CORDAP Foundation go directly to coral restoration research and development. Since 2022, we’ve awarded USD$28 million to multinational teams, but our goal is to raise USD$300 million to invest in the urgent solutions needed to restore and protect coral reefs for future generations. Learn how you can join our mission by visiting https://lnkd.in/dJMxyCuB CORDAP would like to thank the research team for the media contributions Laboratory (videos): Southern Cross University Fieldwork (photos and videos): Maahil Ahmed (photos) and Southern Cross University Coral spawning (photos and videos): Maahil Ahmed Voice over: Bartolomeu Paes

The Regenerative Blue Economy Challenge from our partner WAVE, powered by FII Institute, in partnership with UpLink - World Economic Forum and Ministry of Economy and Planning - MEPsaudi has just announced the 15 top innovative winners. CORDAP was proud to have contributed to the review process of the applications as a "Challenge Partner". Follow the link below to learn how these 15 start-ups will contribute to the goal of ocean regeneration.

How can we make coral restoration more cost-effective for countries with limited resources? In today’s episode of "To the Rescue of Corals," we present you Rita Sellares, Executive Director at FUNDEMAR, who is collaborating with colleagues from the USA, Netherlands Antilles, and the Dominican Republic to optimize coral reproduction in the Caribbean. This international team includes members from Fundación Dominicana de Estudios Marinos, Reef Renewal Foundation Bonaire , and SECORE International, Inc. The project aims to improve coral larvae growth and survival to enhance breeding techniques in the region. A land-based facility for coral larvae will be established in the Dominican Republic, with plans for a second facility in Bonaire. By involving local communities—including coral restoration practitioners, students, the tourism industry, dive centers, and fishers—this initiative ensures broad support and long-term sustainability. CORDAP is supporting numerous research initiatives across the globe through the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) to secure a safe future for corals. The CAP 2024 funding call is open until October 21, 2024, with grants of up to USD$ 1.5 million per project. Learn more and submit your proposal at http://cordap.org . CORDAP would like to thank the research team for the media contributions Laboratory (photos and videos): Marvin del Cid (team working) and Michael del Rosario (Fundemar) Coral restoration (photos): Marvin del Cid Voice over: Carla Lourenço, PhD

Surveys suggest that coral cover around the tiny island of Mnemba has declined by nearly 90% over the last two decades owing to climate change and ‘overtourism’. A group of scientists and coral restoration practitioners together with local communities are set to reverse the trend. Meet one of the most recent CORDAP awarded projects from CAP 2023! The team is spearheaded by Dr Camilla Floros, principal researcher at Wild Impact and aims to: 🪸Restore degraded reefs to a healthier, more functional state 🪸Reduce tourist pressure by creating additional artificial reefs 🪸Develop a comprehensive understanding of the socio-economic costs and benefits of the Mnemba Island Marine Conservation Area (MIMCA) for local communities. CORDAP is supporting numerous research initiatives across the globe through the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) to secure a safe future for corals. The CAP 2024 funding call is open until October 21, 2024, with grants of up to USD$ 1.5 million per project. Learn more and submit your proposal at http://cordap.org/awards/ Find out more about this CORDAP-funded project on the Daily Maverick ⤵

What if we could target the algae living inside corals to identify which colonies are more heat tolerant? In episode 4 of "To the Rescue of Corals," we feature Dr. Kenneth Hoadley from the The University of Alabama, along with team members from the University of Delaware, University of Guam, and Reef Explorers Fiji. This project utilizes a submersible handheld fluorometer to monitor the fluorescence of algae living within corals, helping assess their heat tolerance and identify coral colonies more likely to resist bleaching. By using this user-friendly, non-destructive tool, researchers can quickly analyze algae physiology. Transplants with the predicted best and worst heat-tolerant corals will be established and monitored to test the effectiveness of their approach. This powerful tool has the potential to significantly enhance coral restoration programs not only in Fiji and Guam but globally, enabling fast, data-driven decisions to protect and revive our precious coral reefs. CORDAP is supporting numerous research initiatives across the globe through the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) to save corals from functional extinction. You too can help us secure a safe future for corals. All donations and contributions to the CORDAP Foundation go directly to coral restoration research and development. Since 2022, we’ve awarded USD$28 million to multinational teams, but our goal is to raise USD$300 million to invest in the urgent solutions needed to restore and protect coral reefs for future generations. Learn how you can join our mission by visiting https://lnkd.in/dJMxyCuB CORDAP would like to thank the research team for the media contributions Laboratory (photos and videos) | Fieldwork (photos and videos) Mark Warner, Victor Bonito, Sophie Wong, Raymond Banister and Serena Hackerott Voice-over: Bartolomeu Paes

Tomorrow, September 18, CORDAP will be hosting two Q&A webinars for the Coral Accelerator Program funding call. You can join at either 06:00 or 15:00 UTC. If you're planning to apply, be sure to mark this webinar on your calendar. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dP7C-45N

RED ALERT! In the coming two weeks massive coral bleaching is expected in the Red Sea. You are encouraged to report any coral bleaching and unusual fish deaths to General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea - shams via the Red Sea Reef Watch email: [email protected] Read the full announcement by International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). Forecasting of coral bleaching is guided by NOAA: National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration Coral Reef Watch satellite data.

How are scientists improving the health and survival of corals in the Mesoamerican Reef? In this episode of "To the Rescue of Corals," we feature the project lead by Dr. Rebecca Albright from the California Academy of Sciences, who is collaborating with coral researchers and restoration experts from the USA and Roatan Marine Park in Honduras. To reverse the high mortality rates of coral larvae and boost coral reproduction, the team will apply four different therapies. These treatments aim to reduce the corals’ energy costs, provide additional energy sources, and even accelerate their adaptation to rising seawater temperatures. By establishing a cutting-edge laboratory in Roatán and training local partners and communities in effective, low-cost, low-tech coral reproduction methods, the team is working to restore the Mesoamerican Reef. Empowering local heroes to take charge of their environment is key to creating a sustainable future for coral reefs. CORDAP is supporting numerous research initiatives across the globe through the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) to secure a safe future for corals. The CAP 2024 funding call is open until October 21, 2024, with grants of up to USD$ 1.5 million per project. Learn more and submit your proposal at www.cordap.org/awards/ CORDAP would like to thank the research team for the media contributions Laboratory (photos and videos): Gayle Laird, Rebecca Albright and colleagues Drone (videos): Manlio Martinez Voice over: Carla Lourenço, PhD

The Coral Collective has launched! We're excited to be part of this incredible global campaign, spearheaded by Project Zero, uniting efforts to protect and restore coral reefs across 30 countries. The campaign supports key initiatives, including the G20’s CORDAP, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). The Coral Collective is creating an ongoing series of high-profile events across art and music to immerse coral into culture, raising awareness and funding critical for coral reefs' survival. With help from cultural icons like Rita Ora, Slash, and Cara Delevingne, and renowned marine scientists, the campaign merges art, music, and science to raise awareness and funds vital to saving coral reefs from extinction. Since 1950, the world has lost over half of its coral reefs, with climate change, agricultural runoff, waste and plastic pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices damaging and killing these fragile reef ecosystems. “An ocean without healthy corals is unthinkable and a failure of our efforts to mitigate climate change, biodiversity loss, and achieve sustainable development goals. Yet, the window for conserving these ecosystems is rapidly closing, which requires a global, concerted effort to accelerate the development of the next generation of science and technology allowing us to conserve and restore corals and deploy these technologies at a global scale,” - Carlos Duarte, Executive Director of CORDAP and Distinguished Professor of Marine Science at KAUST. Together, we can turn the tide. Join the Collective to help secure a future for this vital ecosystem and visit http://ForCoral.org for more details.