CORAL's comprehensive CRSD model establishes six broad indicators to measure the sustainability of the destination, along with five levels of observable and measureable conservation capacity. Prior to working with a field site, CORAL identifies the community’s existing capacity to achieve objectives along a continuum of increasing sustainability.
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Since the development of the CRSD model in 2005, CORAL’s work has steadily increased the environmental and economic health of our project sites in Mexico, Honduras, Hawaii, Fiji, and Indonesia. We gained valuable insight about how to best apply our CRSD approach in many different community environments, giving us a clear path and powerful tools for working with our partners to protect coral reefs.
Testing of the CRSD approach has garnered praise from major marine conservation funders, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, our partner conservation groups, and governments around the world.
Learn more about how we actively engage communities below:
Identify Strategic Locations
Prior to working with a community, CORAL evaluates each destination’s existing conservation efforts and uses the CRSD model as a roadmap to increase sustainability. Informed by the knowledge and experience of staff in our four program centers, we identify potential communities that are ready to build capacity in the six coral reef sustainable destination criteria.
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Engage & Educate
One of CORAL’s core programs involves educating the key stakeholder groups—MPA managers, tourism businesses, and local residents—about coral reef conservation. By encouraging sustainable behavior and giving each group the information and tools it needs to change destructive practices, we begin to see real improvements in coral reef health.
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Build Cooperative Alliances
Because effective conservation solutions require collaboration, two of CORAL’s core values include cooperation and inclusion. We believe that only by engaging all stakeholder groups can we find sustainable and long-lasting solutions to reef threats.
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Assist Implementation
Obstacles to community-led conservation initiatives include lack of coordination, funding, and motivation. With initial educational trainings and key stakeholders in place, conservation projects that are strategically targeted to local reef threats are proposed by local leaders. CORAL provides the technical, logistical, and financial support communities need to ensure that these initiatives succeed.
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About the Program Center Structure
CORAL has organized its global conservation approach based on four fundamental components of effective reef conservation: MPA effectiveness, sustainable tourism, community development, and sustainable financing. As we grow, we are developing centers of excellence in each of these areas.
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