WIOMSA and PIOC Conferences - Engagement and Promotional Events in Kenya and Solomon Islands for the Coral Reef Rescue Project

Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA).

In Mombasa - Kenya, Godfrey Ngupula (Marine Parks and Reserves Tanzania - MPRU, Manager for Coral Reef Rescue Initiative - CRRI -Tanzania), Dr. Makame Omary Makame (Director of Marine Conservation, Ministry of Blue Economy - Zanzibar ), Arielle (WCS - Madagascar, Manager for Coral Reef Rescue Initiative - CRRI - Madagascar), Melanie Johnson (Component 1 Global Team), and Matt Glue (GEF- CRRI - Project Management Unit-PMU) represented the Coral Reef Rescue Project, along with Domonia and Eduardo (WWF- CRRI) at the Western Indian Ocean Marine Science Association (WIOMSA). 

WIOMSA is held every 3 years and is the largest marine science/conservation gathering in the Western Indian Ocean, bringing together researchers and practitioners. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the work of the project at such a high-profile event, through a dedicated Coral Reef Rescue booth. Arielle and Godfrey presented the work in Madagascar and Tanzania in the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative session “Bridging Science and Policy for Coral Reef Conservation in the Indian Ocean”.

Participants across the region engaged enthusiastically and recognised the potential of the online courses and portal within their networks. We hope to see increasing use of both project tools in the coming weeks. 

While some of our team were at WIOMSA, others were conducting similar engagements 13,000km away at the Pacific Islands Ocean Conference (PIOC) in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

In the Solomon Islands, Neelam, Janice and Jone (WCS Fiji), Chris, Doris, and Alec (WCS Solomon Islands), Agnetha (MECDM), Erin and Loren (Component 1 Global Team), and Jen (PMU) represented the project at PIOC. This conference is a regional gathering to discuss sustainable ocean management, promoting the connection between science, policy and traditional knowledge.

Along with informative presentations from Neelam and Chris on the advancement of the GEF CRR project and the National Hubs, another highlight of our visit to the Solomon Islands were the school visits. Doris, the newest member of the WCS team, alongside Erin and Loren, led engaging and informative lessons on coral reefs for senior students. Students were enthusiastic and interested and we have UQ and WCS Fiji to thank for the little prizes for correct answers at the end of the presentation.

More school visits will take place in the coming months as we continue to raise awareness of coral reefs and the need to conserve these precious habitats.

These conferences were a wonderful opportunity to share the full suite of resources created for conservationists on the ground and government officials. 

Christian Menepolo from WCS highlighted the importance of attending these regional events "I was inspired to hear the diverse commitments made by individuals and organizations towards protecting the ocean. It was an opportunity for the Coral Reef Rescue Project to raise awareness, share and discuss potential collaborations. As one of the presenters poignantly stated, "Protect the ocean so it protects you." This message resonated deeply within me, highlighting the vital connection between human actions, the health of our oceans and the need for meaningful collaborations to conserve our pristine ocean and its resources."

Coral Reef Rescue Resources 

Explore the Coral Reef Rescue Portal today and join the global effort to safeguard the future of coral reefs.

Register for these free online coral reef courses on coral reefs.

1. Coral Reefs: Introduction to Challenges and Solutions,
2. Coral Reefs: Sustainable Blue Economy,
3. Coral Reefs: Climate Resilient Communities.