Project name : CoralCarib: Pioneering a new strategic approach for conserving and restoring Caribbean coral reef ecosystems that targets Climate Resilient Refuges
2022-2028
The CoralCarib project pioneers a new strategic approach to conserve and restore coral reef ecosystems in the Caribbean, focusing on Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Jamaica. Coral reefs in the region have lost 60% of their live cover in the past two decades due to climate change, pollution, and overfishing—threatening biodiversity, coastal protection, food security, and livelihoods.
Objectives :
• Conserve and restore 5,000 hectares of coral reef ecosystems across four countries;
• Identify and protect Coral Climate Refuges, areas most resilient to climate change and vital for reef recovery;
• Strengthen local and regional capacity for coral reef management and policy action;
• Promote sustainable livelihoods linked to reef conservation (eco-tourism, aquaculture, community enterprises);
• Enhance resilience of coastal communities and scale regional cooperation .
Main Activities Conducted :
• Threat assessments and abatement plans to reduce local pressures on reefs
• Restoration action plans and pilot projects using innovative techniques (e.g., coral gardening, micro-fragmentation, climate-resilient coral species)
• Capacity-building for fishers, local organizations, and government agencies;
• Sustainable livelihood projects in coastal communities;
• Economic valuation of coral reef services (coastal protection, fisheries, tourism);
• Regional and global knowledge sharing through networks and scientific publications.