The Coral Futures Academy (CFA) recently marked the official launch of the project Scaling up Identification, Protection, and Local Management of Climate-Resistant Coral Reefs, a new initiative to strengthen coral reef resilience in the face of climate change. This three-year, $1.5 million project, which began in September 2024, focuses on Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), and the Marshall Islands. Led by the Palau International Coral Reef Center (PICRC) and supported by The Nature Conservancy (TNC), the Marshall Islands Conservation Society (MICS), Stanford University, and the Conservation Society of Pohnpei, the project is breaking new ground by equipping local leaders with the skills to integrate heat-resistance data into coral restoration efforts.
As climate change continues to impact coral reefs, effective restoration is more critical than ever. However, many traditional restoration efforts have overlooked the importance of using heat- resistant corals. External groups often lead restoration work but may lack local knowledge, which can result in fragile nurseries vulnerable to heat waves. This issue is particularly pressing in island nations like Palau, the FSM, and the Marshall Islands, where healthy reefs are essential for food security, local economies, and tourism.
