World Ocean Day 2026: Free Online Courses and Global Action for Coral Reef Conservation

Every year on 8 June, World Ocean Day calls on communities, scientists, governments and individuals to take action for coral reefs. As the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project enters its final year of implementation across six countries, we are delighted to share our free online coral reef courses now available in English, French and Bahasa Indonesian.

Coral Reef Conservation is Urgent

Coral reefs support a quarter of all known marine species and more than one billion people worldwide. Without urgent action to limit global warming, scientists warn that 70–90% of live coral could be lost by 2050. Building knowledge and community capacity for coral reef conservation has never been more critical.

Global Analysis led to Key Climate Refuge Reefs Identified around the World

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 including: Cuba, Fiji, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Tanzania.

Free Online Coral Reef Courses 

The GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project has developed four free online coral reef courses available in English, French and Bahasa Indonesian. Whether you are a government official, NGO worker, scientist, fisher or ocean enthusiast, these courses are designed for you:

• Coral Reefs: Introduction to Challenges and Solutions  
  • An introductory free online course exploring the ecological and social dynamics of coral reefs, the threats they face, and key principles for designing effective conservation solutions. Perfect for anyone new to coral reef conservation.
• Coral Reefs: Data and Monitoring
  • In collaboration with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) this course was developed to strengthen your coral reef monitoring skills by integrating traditional and local knowledge with scientific data for evidence-based decision making. Designed for NGO staff, government workers, natural resource managers and fishers.
• Coral Reefs: Sustainable Blue Economy 
  • Explore how shifting to a sustainable blue economy can address climate change, biodiversity loss and resource overuse in coral reef and coastal communities. Designed for government, civil society, academia and private sector professionals.
• Coral Reefs: Climate Resilient Communities
  • Developed in collaboration with CARE International, this free course guides communities through practical tools to assess climate vulnerabilities and develop adaptation plans for coastal and coral reef communities.

Coral Reef Conservation in Action 

This World Ocean Day we celebrate the remarkable progress being made by communities, governments and conservation organisations across our six partner countries.

• Fiji — Science, Community and International Recognition
  • Fiji has been advancing its National Action Plan for coral reef conservation driven by science and community voices. Fijian conservationist Neelam Bhan also secured a €50,000 prize at the Frankfurt Spring School for her outstanding work in coral reef conservation.
• Indonesia — National Coordination Hub charts Collaborative Path
  • Indonesia's National Coral Reef Hub convened in May 2026 to chart a collaborative path for climate-resilient reef protection, highlighting innovative approaches including a buddy system for knowledge sharing and a renewed focus on sustainable finance for coral reef conservation.
• Madagascar — Inspiring the Next Generation of Marine Conservationists
  • The Madagascar team participated in EU Project Day in May 2026, introducing young people to marine conservation careers and ocean protection opportunities.
• Philippines — GEF Coral Reef Rescue Project Launches in Palawan
  • In May 2026 the Coral Reef Rescue Project officially launched in the Palawan Biosphere Reserve, bringing together the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, DENR, local government units and NGOs. 
• Solomon Islands — Community Voices Shape National Coral Reef Action Plan
  • Local communities and provincial representatives came together for the National Action Plan Provincial Validation, ensuring community voices drive Solomon Islands' coral reef conservation strategy.
• Tanzania — Community Action Drives National Coral Reef Progress
  • Tanzanian communities and government programs are working together to safeguard climate resilient coral reefs, connecting local stewardship directly with national conservation policy.

Take Action This World Ocean Week

This World Ocean Day here is how you can get involved in coral reef conservation:

• Enrol in a free coral reef course — coralreefrescue.iwlearn.net/online-learning-courses
• Explore coral reef data — use the free Coral Reef Rescue Portal with over 70 coral reef datasets

About the Coral Reef Rescue Project

The Coral Reef Rescue Project is a US$7m Project funded by the Global Environment Facility to build capacity and solutions that ensure the long-term survival of climate refuge coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them. The project is implemented by the World Wildlife Fund and executed by The University of Queensland in partnership with Wildlife Conservation Society (Fiji, Madagascar, Solomon Islands), Yayasan Reef Check Indonesia, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, Philippines and Marine Parks and Reserves Unit, Tanzania.