CoralCarib: Pioneering a new strategic approach for conserving and restoring Caribbean coral reef ecosystems that targets Climate Resilient Refuges.

The future of the Caribbean is closely tied to the health of its coral reefs. Live coral cover – a key measure of coral health – in the Caribbean has declined by 60% over the past few decades due to a combination of global and local threats. Degradation of coral reef ecosystems threatens the region’s population, as local economies depend heavily on healthy reefs, which provide over €0.85 million per km2 in critical ecosystem goods and services (e.g., fisheries, coastal protection, tourism and recreation). This project will pioneer a new strategic approach focused on Coral Climate Refugia, with activities designed to protect, restore, and sustainably use coral reefs with high potential to survive future climate impacts. Major activities include effective management of marine areas, abatement of reef threats, coral restoration using advanced technologies, promotion of sustainable livelihoods, and a range of scaling activities to achieve region-wide impacts.