CORAL to Launch Ten Strategic Program Sites in 5 years
With the generous support of our donors, CORAL has designed, tested, and proven the effectiveness of community-driven conservation. We know from scientific evaluation and surveys of MMA (Managed Marine Area) managers and stakeholders that our CRSD approach is the best chance we have to eliminate locally generated threats and promote lasting conservation.
Over the next five years, CORAL will expand the CRSD program to support 17 strategically located MMA communities as centers of excellence for managing and protecting coral reefs. From these centers of excellence, our Coral Reef Leadership Network will disseminate the skills and lessons of successful conservation to neighboring MMA communities to build coral reef resilience at each location. Over time, these protected reefs will become a reserve system, restocking depleted reefs and building community pride. Reducing local threats will help reefs to survive while confronted with global warming and acidification. The budget for this urgently needed expansion of programs is $ 13.5 million. Future issues of E-Current will discuss this exciting program.