Climate Refuge Reefs

A global analysis led by The University of Queensland identified a portfolio of coral reefs that have lower exposure to climate change stress due to local oceanographic conditions such as currents and upwelling. Approximately 80% of these climate refuge reefs are found in developing countries and ~70% of these reefs are concentrated in just 7 countries: Cuba, Fiji, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Tanzania.

Despite being less exposed to climate change, all climate refuge reefs are facing decline and loss of resilience due to increasing local pressures. Given their importance as a source of reef regeneration in a ‘climate stabilised world’, a global multistakeholder partnership the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (CRRI) was formed to focus efforts and investments on protecting these globally significant climate refuge reefs. 

The GEF7 Coral Reef Rescue: Resilient Coral Reefs, Resilient Communities Project contributes to the CRRI by building capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate refuge coral reef ecosystems in 6 of these countries: Fiji, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Tanzania.

The Coral Reef Rescue Project is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF).  The GEF is a family of funds dedicated to confronting biodiversity loss, climate change, pollution, and strains on land and ocean health. Its grants, blended financing, and policy support help developing countries address their biggest environmental priorities and adhere to international environmental conventions. Over the past three decades, the GEF has provided more than $23 billion and mobilized $129 billion in co-financing for more than 5,000 national and regional projects.