{"id":8771,"date":"2025-09-23T09:53:51","date_gmt":"2025-09-23T16:53:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/coral.org\/?p=8771"},"modified":"2026-01-20T18:27:01","modified_gmt":"2026-01-21T02:27:01","slug":"how-snapshot-assessments-shape-corals-next-chapter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-snapshot-assessments-shape-corals-next-chapter\/","title":{"rendered":"How Snapshot Assessments Shape CORAL\u2019s Next Chapter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>By now, you\u2019ve heard <a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/coral-is-expanding-into-new-regions\/\">CORAL is in growth mode<\/a>, and we\u2019re determined to make our expansion meaningful and lasting. Our team is going to great lengths to figure out exactly where we\u2019ll go next. And it goes far beyond spinning a globe and picking a spot at random.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I sat down with our Strategic Impact Director, Kristin Sherwood, who is the lead behind what we call \u201cSnapshot Assessments,\u201d to unpack what really goes into scouting new locations. These snapshots are the first step in deciding where CORAL can make the biggest impact, and they\u2019re shaping how we grow for the long term.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Snapshot Assessments Really Are<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Think of a snapshot assessment as our first look at a new place. It\u2019s part science, part listening, and part feasibility check. \u201cIt\u2019s how we make sure we\u2019re showing up where we\u2019re truly needed, and where we can build strong, lasting partnerships,\u201d Kristin explained.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Each snapshot digs into four essentials:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Ecological value<\/strong> &#8211; Does the reef system have unique biodiversity, connectivity, or resilience that makes it a global priority?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Local interest and capacity<\/strong> &#8211; Are there community organizations, NGOs, or government partners already working on reef health who want to collaborate?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relevant needs<\/strong> &#8211; Do the threats match CORAL\u2019s strengths, like tackling water pollution or improving marine protected area (MPA) management?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Funding potential<\/strong> &#8211; Can we secure the donor support needed to launch and sustain impactful projects?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If those pieces fall into place, the snapshot tells us this is a place where CORAL can truly add value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How the Process Works<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Snapshots start with people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We bring in consultants who already know the region deeply. They speak with a handful of key local and regional informants (community leaders, fishers, scientists, NGOs, and government representatives) to get a realistic picture of what\u2019s happening on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\" style=\"margin-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--12);margin-right:0;margin-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--12);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--12)\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"681\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan7-2MB-681x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a scuba diver on a reef\" class=\"wp-image-8777\" style=\"width:337px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan7-2MB-681x1024.jpg 681w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan7-2MB-530x796.jpg 530w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan7-2MB.jpg 700w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 681px) 100vw, 681px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by Tobias Zimmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>From there, we combine these insights with desktop research on reef health, governance frameworks, and conservation history. \u201cWe\u2019re looking at both the ecological side and the social side,\u201d Kristin said. \u201cIt\u2019s not just about reef maps and biodiversity. It\u2019s about whether the human systems are in place to make conservation succeed.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The result is a feasibility profile, including where the opportunities are, where the risks lie, and whether CORAL\u2019s model would fit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">From Snapshots to New Sites<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Snapshots helped us narrow down a long list of potential countries into a short list of five. From there, we choose one or more new locations where CORAL will launch work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But we don\u2019t stop at single locations. Each new location plugs into a regional hub. This hub serves as a structure that strengthens connections between locations, fuels cross-learning, and amplifies influence at national and regional levels. Hubs let us scale beyond individual projects, linking local success to larger conservation outcomes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/a-bold-new-plan-for-coral-reef-conservation\/\"><em>Read more about our hub model in our strategic plan &gt;<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Snapshot Assessments Matter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Taking time for snapshots may seem time-consuming, but it\u2019s what ensures CORAL\u2019s growth is intentional. They help us avoid missteps, like entering places with conflict, government resistance, or an overcrowding of NGOs, and instead focus where our unique strengths can have the most impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cSnapshots are about making intentional choices, ensuring we enter places where CORAL\u2019s partnerships and strengths can create the greatest impact for reefs and communities,\u201d Kristin told me. \u201cThey help us find the right fit.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-05_AMED_MERMAID_MAY2103_019-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of fisherman on a boat\" class=\"wp-image-8772\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-05_AMED_MERMAID_MAY2103_019-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-05_AMED_MERMAID_MAY2103_019-796x531.jpg 796w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-05_AMED_MERMAID_MAY2103_019-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-05_AMED_MERMAID_MAY2103_019-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/13-05_AMED_MERMAID_MAY2103_019.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>By starting with snapshots, we\u2019re not just choosing new places on a map; we\u2019re choosing new people, new partnerships, and new possibilities for reefs and communities to thrive together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Beyond Our Next Hub<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Right now, we\u2019re exploring five potential places to grow: the Coral Triangle (Indonesia and the Philippines), the Eastern Caribbean (St. Lucia and neighboring islands), the Southwest Caribbean (Colombia), and East Africa (Kenya, Tanzania, and the Comoros Islands). Looking ahead to next year, we\u2019ll also be considering additional locations in the central and south Pacific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But these won\u2019t be the last five we\u2019ll explore. Our expansion isn\u2019t about picking a single \u201cwinner\u201d and walking away. It\u2019s about creating a portfolio of places where CORAL can bring lasting value. Starting in 2026, our goal is to invest deeply in one of these regions while continuing to build across others. Some sites may call for a more place-based approach, while others will benefit from capacity strengthening at a regional level, especially around wastewater and climate adaptation initiatives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This framework gives us room to adapt as we grow. Each new site adds strength to the whole, creating an alliance of reefs and communities that will only continue to expand in the years ahead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"681\" src=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan_bestoff-1-1024x681.jpg\" alt=\"Photo of a healthy coral reef with a scuba diver. Photo by Tobias Zimmer\" class=\"wp-image-8779\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan_bestoff-1-1024x681.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan_bestoff-1-796x530.jpg 796w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan_bestoff-1-768x511.jpg 768w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan_bestoff-1-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Sangut_seafan_bestoff-1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Photo by Tobias Zimmer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Don\u2019t Miss the Announcement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>We\u2019re announcing our newest hub on November 12th, and you won\u2019t want to miss it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Be the first to hear where CORAL is expanding by signing up for our early access list today!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<!--HubSpot Call-to-Action Code --><span class=\"hs-cta-wrapper\" id=\"hs-cta-wrapper-5c5c39c2-a803-4401-9105-20e39f5587f1\"><span class=\"hs-cta-node hs-cta-5c5c39c2-a803-4401-9105-20e39f5587f1\" id=\"hs-cta-5c5c39c2-a803-4401-9105-20e39f5587f1\"><!--[if lte IE 8]><div id=\"hs-cta-ie-element\"><\/div><![endif]--><a href=\"https:\/\/cta-redirect.hubspot.com\/cta\/redirect\/39879831\/5c5c39c2-a803-4401-9105-20e39f5587f1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"hs-cta-img\" id=\"hs-cta-img-5c5c39c2-a803-4401-9105-20e39f5587f1\" style=\"border-width:0px;\" src=\"https:\/\/no-cache.hubspot.com\/cta\/default\/39879831\/5c5c39c2-a803-4401-9105-20e39f5587f1.png\"  alt=\"Where are we going next? Be the first to know &gt;\"\/><\/a><\/span><script charset=\"utf-8\" src=\"https:\/\/js.hscta.net\/cta\/current.js\"><\/script><script type=\"text\/javascript\"> hbspt.cta.load(39879831, '5c5c39c2-a803-4401-9105-20e39f5587f1', {\"useNewLoader\":\"true\",\"region\":\"na1\"}); <\/script><\/span><!-- end HubSpot Call-to-Action Code -->\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By now, you\u2019ve heard CORAL is in growth mode, and we\u2019re determined to make our expansion meaningful and lasting. Our team is going to great lengths to figure out exactly where we\u2019ll go next. And it goes far beyond spinning a globe and picking a spot at random. I sat down with our Strategic Impact&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-snapshot-assessments-shape-corals-next-chapter\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue Reading &#8594;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":8774,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","_genesis_transparent_header":false,"_genesis_hide_siblings_nav":false,"_genesis_hide_flyout":false,"_genesis_subtitle":"","_genesis_subheading":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1,295],"tags":[454,453,452,421,309],"class_list":{"0":"post-8771","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-coral-updates","8":"category-partners","9":"tag-coral-conservation","10":"tag-data-driven-conservation","11":"tag-global-expansion","12":"tag-marine-protected-areas","13":"tag-science","14":"entry"},"acf":[],"template_part":"\n<article class=\"article article-post post-8771 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail category-coral-updates category-partners tag-coral-conservation tag-data-driven-conservation tag-global-expansion tag-marine-protected-areas tag-science entry\">\n\t<div class=\"entry-image\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-snapshot-assessments-shape-corals-next-chapter\/\">\n\t\t\t<img width=\"740\" height=\"560\" src=\"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/lagoons7-740x560.jpg\" class=\"attachment-preview size-preview wp-post-image\" alt=\"Photo by Tobias Zimmer\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" \/>\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"entry-meta\">\n\t\t<ul class=\"post-categories\">\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/category\/coral-updates\/\" rel=\"category tag\">CORAL Updates<\/a><\/li>\n\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/category\/partners\/\" rel=\"category tag\">Our Partners<\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t<\/div>\n\t<div class=\"entry-body\">\n\t\t<h2 class=\"entry-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-snapshot-assessments-shape-corals-next-chapter\/\" class=\"entry-title-link\">How Snapshot Assessments Shape CORAL\u2019s Next Chapter<\/a><\/h2>\t\t<p>By now, you\u2019ve heard CORAL is in growth mode, and we\u2019re determined to make our expansion meaningful and lasting. Our team is going to great lengths to figure out exactly where we\u2019ll go next. And it goes far beyond spinning a globe and picking a spot at random. I sat down with our Strategic Impact&hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/how-snapshot-assessments-shape-corals-next-chapter\/\" class=\"more-link\">Continue Reading &#8594;<\/a><\/p>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/article>\n","featured_image_src":"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/lagoons7-600x400.jpg","featured_image_src_square":"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/lagoons7-600x600.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Kate Beebe","author_link":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/blog\/author\/kate\/"},"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/static.coral.org\/uploads\/2025\/09\/lagoons7.jpg","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8771","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8771"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8771\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8774"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8771"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8771"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/coral.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8771"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}