Protecting Reefs, Protecting People

Working across six countries to protect the coral reefs most likely to survive climate change.

Coral reefs worldwide are in crisis. Rising ocean temperatures, pollution and unsustainable fishing are placing immense pressure on reef ecosystems. Some reefs, however, are demonstrating greater resilience to climate change. The Coral Reef Rescue project is working across six countries to help conserve these resilient reefs. 

Who is involved

By working with governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and conservation partners, the CRR Project aims to strengthen stewardship of these climate-resilient reefs so we can help protect biodiversity, support sustainable livelihoods and build resilience for the future.

GEF CRR Logo Banner with all partners

Where we work

Working in partnership with national governments and technical partners, the project is active in six countries FijiIndonesiaMadagascar, the Philippines, the Solomon Islands and Tanzania  spanning the Pacific, the Coral Triangle and the Western Indian Ocean. Read the latest project news to learn more. 

Our goal is to strengthen long-term capacity for coral reef conservation by supporting inclusive governance, mobilising investment, and increasing understanding of the importance of climate-resilient reefs.

Together, these efforts help safeguard biodiversity while supporting the people and communities whose cultures, livelihoods and futures are closely connected to healthy coral reef ecosystems. Find out more about each country's journey so far. 

Sign up for our free Online Coral Reef Courses 

Learn about coral reef conservation with four free, self-paced online courses developed by the University of Queensland. Course materials are available in English, Bahasa Indonesia and French, with a free Certificate of Completion for every course.

CRRI101x

Introduction to Challenges and Solutions

The science, human interactions, threats and conservation of tropical coral reef ecosystems.

1–2 hrs/week for 7 weeks or self-paced
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CRRI102x

Data and Monitoring

Plan, collect, analyse and share coral reef data from scientific and traditional sources.

1–2 hrs/week or self-paced
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CRRI103x

Sustainable Blue Economy

Analyse the risks and opportunities of transitioning your community toward a sustainable blue economy.

1–2 hrs/week for 4 weeks or self-paced
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CRRI104x

Climate Resilient Communities

CARE's Climate Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment (CVCA), produced in collaboration with CARE.

1–2 hrs/week for 4 weeks or self-paced
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Explore the Coral Reef Rescue Portal

Coral Reef Rescue Portal preview

Explore over 70 coral reef datasets and resources in one searchable platform, built to support conservation planning across all six project countries.

Explore the Portal →

Through an inclusive and integrated approach, the GEF Coral Reef Rescue project will:

'build capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate refuge coral reef ecosystems to conserve their biodiversity and support the blue economies and communities that depend on them’. 

Read more


Recent news

Voices from Temotu: Customary practices shaping coral reef management in a re...
09 Sep 2026
Doris Kalamasaru, WCS Solomon Islands, shared her work on the Coral Reef Rescue Project at the International Coral Reef Symposium in Aotearoa New Zealand 2026.
From community visioning to conservation action: An integrated approach to co...
09 Sep 2026
At the ICRS in New Zealand, Neelam Bhan, GEF Coral Reef Rescue Project Coordinator, WCS Fiji presented “From community visioning to conservation action: An integrated approach to coral reef conserv...
Case studies from Indonesia: Real-time data and inclusive systems to support ...
26 Aug 2026
Derta Prabuning and Fawzia Nasoetion from Reef Check Indonesia, recently shared their work on the Coral Reef Rescue Project at the 16th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) in Aotearoa New Zea...

            

Indonesian Coastal Community working to conserve coral reefs

Project Year 4 is Underway

The GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project is starting to make waves. In six countries, we are taking a deep dive into:

•  Capacity strengthening for coral reef conservation

•  Establishing inclusive governance and planning        processes which address local threats to coral resilient reefs

•  Supporting the alignment of co-finance and investment opportunities that support coral reef conservation

•  Communicating awareness of the significance of climate resilient reefs to ensure their survival.  

Over 2,000 people in 60 countries have registered for our online courses. Explore our courses today.