The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is stepping into a new era—one defined by strategic growth, stronger partnerships, and bigger impact. As corals face mounting threats, we’re scaling up our efforts to ensure reefs around the world not only survive but thrive.
And we’re doing it quickly.
Why Growth Matters for Coral Reefs
Coral reefs support 25% of all marine life, protect coastal communities from storms, and generate billions of dollars through tourism and fisheries. Yet, climate change, pollution, and overfishing are driving these ecosystems to the brink. Scaling up conservation efforts is no longer optional—it’s urgent.
Our growth strategy is all about expanding on the successful conservation models we’ve developed over the last 30 years. This means increasing local partnerships and deepening investments in research and community-driven solutions to drive cleaner water and more sustainable fisheries. This isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing better, smarter, and FASTER.
Investing in Science and Innovation
At the heart of our organization is a commitment to science-driven conservation. By leveraging the latest research and collaborating with top scientists, CORAL is scaling up solutions that work. Here’s what we’re focusing on:
Expanding Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)
These oceanic safe spaces exist so coral reefs and marine life can recover from stressors, and we are committed to growing and elevating the network of MPAs. When we strengthen MPAs by increasing community-led protection measures, coral reefs and all who depend on them win.
Resilience-Based Management (RBM)
We know coral reefs can adapt to climate change, but only if we support them. CORAL is ramping up the implementation of proven strategies that help reefs with adaptation.
Data-Driven Conservation
Data and science are foundational to our work. Using advanced monitoring systems, we’ll continue to track reef health and refine conservation efforts based on real data.
By integrating traditional ecological knowledge with modern science, CORAL is ensuring our conservation strategies are both effective and culturally relevant.
Expanding into Key Reef Regions
Every reef region is unique, so before we establish new programs, we are conducting snapshot assessments—comprehensive evaluations that provide a clear picture of ecological conditions, community engagement, and conservation challenges. These assessments guide our decision-making, ensuring we focus on areas where our expertise can make a lasting difference. By understanding both the threats to coral reefs and the existing efforts of local communities, we can step in as a supportive partner––not a replacement––for the work already happening on the ground.
Snapshot assessments go beyond just identifying problems—they help us pinpoint opportunities for impact. By gathering local insights, we can determine the best strategies to support sustainable fisheries, strengthen marine protected areas, and reduce local threats like water pollution.
This research-driven approach allows CORAL to expand with purpose, reinforcing our conservation solutions that are already proving effective and building on them with new and site-specific considerations in mind. With this targeted expansion, CORAL is prioritizing an impact that reaches more reefs, more communities, and more partners than ever before.
Strengthening Partnerships for Greater Impact
To scale our proven strategies, CORAL is engaging global partners and supporting their efforts to advance clean water initiatives and sustainable fisheries management. We know lasting change happens when communities lead the way, and we’ll continue to build and deepen strategic relationships that strengthen our alliance. The future of coral reefs depends on all of us.
Supporting Coastal Communities
Provide training and financial support to local fishers, tourism operators, and conservation leaders.
Working with Governments
Advocate for stronger environmental policies and enforcement.
Engaging the Private Sector
Partner with businesses that rely on healthy oceans, from eco-tourism operators to seafood companies.
By expanding our web of collaborations, CORAL will continue to enact more locally-driven, long-term, and sustainable conservation efforts.
Investing in People & Resources
Growth isn’t just about scaling up projects and regions—it’s also about investing in people. CORAL is building a stronger organization by:
Expanding our expert team, bringing in top conservationists, scientists, and community engagement specialists.
Have you met our Strategic Impact Director? Meet Kristin Sherwood >
Scaling our philanthropic efforts, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
You can support our efforts by making a one-time or monthly donation here >
Leveraging new technologies, such as AI-driven monitoring and sustainable reef management tools to drive efficiencies.
These investments ensure CORAL has the support and resources to drive meaningful, lasting change into new regions – all with the resounding goal of saving coral reefs.
The Road Ahead
CORAL’s growth is intentional and impactful. Every project, partnership, and initiative is designed to create real, measurable change for coral reefs and the people who depend on them.
How can you be part of CORAL’s growth?
CORAL is on an exciting path forward, but saving coral reefs requires a global effort. Here’s how you can get involved:
Download our Strategic Plan
Coming soon, this 5-year plan goes into more detail about why, where, and how we are growing.
You can sign up early here >
Donate for Earth Month
Support the Earth by supporting CORAL’s expanding conservation efforts by signing up for a monthly donation > There’s no gift too small. $5, $50, or $500 all make a difference for coral reefs.
Partner with Us!
If you represent a business or organization, explore collaboration opportunities.
Get more details about our Corporate Partnership Program here >
Stay Informed
Follow CORAL’s work and share our impact stories. Subscribe to our monthly eCurrent here, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
By supporting CORAL’s growth, you’re supporting a future for coral reefs. Join us in scaling up reef conservation—because a thriving ocean means a thriving planet.
