A groundbreaking coral restoration initiative is training and equipping local communities across Micronesia to lead the fight against coral decline using heat-tolerant corals. Led by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and funded by the G20’s Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), the project brings together science and community leadership to scale up reef restoration and empower Pacific Islanders to protect some of the planet’s most climate-resilient coral reefs.
The project —Scaling up identification, protection, and local management of coral reefs resistant to future climate stress— focuses on three Pacific nations: the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and the Republic of Palau. In collaboration with Stanford University and local partners, the initiative identifies corals that can survive rising ocean temperatures and trains local teams to use these species in reef restoration and marine planning. This approach builds on decades of experience in Marine Protected Area (MPA) management and strengthens community marine management.
At the heart of the effort is the Coral Futures Academy (CFA), an annual, hands-on training that teaches participants how to identify climate-resilient corals, conduct field tests, build and maintain nurseries, and manage scientific data. CFA graduates return to their home islands to establish Coral Restoration Teams, which design and lead their own community-based projects. Over time, experienced members return as trainers, creating a cycle of peer learning and local leadership.
“By building capacity in local communities to restore reefs with corals that are more likely to survive future heatwaves, this work offers a smarter, more resilient approach to reef restoration,” said Dr. Yimnang Golbuu, Coral Resilience Director at TNC Micronesia and Polynesia. “As reefs continue to decline, it is a hopeful path forward, enabling those who rely on reefs to safeguard their future.”
Expected impacts of the project include:
- establishment of fully operational Coral Restoration Teams using climate-resilient coral species;
- new career pathways and job opportunities for young Pacific Island conservation professionals;
- community-led restoration projects integrated into local marine planning;
- a scalable, cost-effective model tailored to the realities of small island states.
By combining cutting-edge science with traditional stewardship and community action, this initiative offers a hopeful and practical solution to one of the greatest challenges facing ocean ecosystems. As global coral reefs face mounting threats, this Micronesia-based project could serve as a blueprint for regional action worldwide.