Climate Resilient Reefs

A global analysis led by The University of Queensland identified a portfolio of coral reefs that have lower exposure to climate change stress due to local oceanographic conditions such as currents and upwelling. Approximately 80% of these climate resilient reefs are found in developing countries and ~70% of these reefs are concentrated in just 7 countries: Cuba, Fiji, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Tanzania.

Despite being less exposed to climate change, all climate resilient reefs are facing decline and loss of resilience due to increasing local pressures. Given their importance as a source of reef regeneration in a ‘climate stabilised world’, a global multistakeholder partnership the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (CRRI) was formed to focus efforts and investments on protecting these globally significant climate resilient reefs. 

The GEF7 Coral Reef Rescue: Resilient Coral Reefs, Resilient Communities Project contributes to the CRRI by building capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate resilient coral reef ecosystems in 6 of these countries: Fiji, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Tanzania.

The Coral Reef Rescue Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is the world’s largest multilateral fund for the environment. Its family of funds work together to address the planet's most pressing challenges in an integrated way. Its financing helps developing countries address complex challenges and work towards meeting international environmental goals. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $27 billion in financing, primarily as grants, and mobilized another $155 billion for country-driven priority projects.