In this month of celebrating our world's ocean, discover free online coral reef conservation courses and updates from the GEF 7 Coral Reef Rescue Project across Fiji, Indonesia, Madagascar, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Tanzania.
Every year on 8 June, World Ocean Day calls on communities, scientists, governments and individuals to act for the Ocean. 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 that are now available in English, French and Bahasa Indonesian.
Global analysis has successfully identified key 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 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
Free online introductory course on coral reef ecology and social dynamics, the threats reefs face, and the fundamentals of effective conservation—ideal for beginners.
Coral Reefs: Data and Monitoring
Developed with the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), this course builds coral reef monitoring skills by integrating traditional and local knowledge with scientific data for evidence-based decision making—ideal for NGO staff, government practitioners, natural resource managers, and fishers.
Coral Reefs: Sustainable Blue Economy
Explore how a sustainable blue economy can tackle climate change, biodiversity loss, and resource overuse in coral reef and coastal communities—designed for professionals across government, civil society, academia, and the private sector.
Coral Reefs: Climate Resilient Communities
Developed with CARE Internationall, this free course equips communities with practical tools to assess climate vulnerabilities and develop adaptation plans for coastal and coral reef communities.
Coral reef conservation in action
This month, we celebrate remarkable progress across our six partner countries, driven by communities, governments, and conservation organisations.
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.
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.
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.
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.
