CORAL and our partners in Maui Nui have been selected to receive a $3.1 million federal grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s National Coastal Zone Management Program.

The grant recognizes our alliance’s dedication to protecting and restoring coral reefs around the world and its successful track record in implementing conservation projects.

Our Project

Through our project "Restoring and Strengthening Resilience of Maui Nui Reef” we will implement innovative strategies to restore degraded coastal habitats, reduce land-based pollution, and protect critical coral reef ecosystems in Maui Nui which includes the islands of Maui, Molokai, and Lanai—all interconnected by the movement of coral larvae. This grant is a significant step forward in CORAL’s efforts to safeguard coral reefs and highlights the importance of collaborative conservation efforts to protect our oceans.

(Image credit: CORAL)

Our Approach

CORAL is committed to working synergistically with communities and local partners to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems. This approach is reflected in our name. We recognize that effective conservation efforts require the participation and support of the local communities who depend on these ecosystems for their livelihoods and cultural traditions. By forming alliances with community partners, we are able to develop solutions that are grounded in local knowledge and practices and that reflect their needs and priorities. This approach has been critical to our success in implementing coral conservation projects around the world, ensuring that long-term solutions and management succeed. It will continue to guide our work as we strive to protect coral reefs throughout this three-year project.

Launching this upcoming Fall, this project will focus on restoring the lower watershed and stream banks of the West Maui watershed on Maui and restoring ancient fishponds along the south shore of Molokai that are vital for healthy of reefs across Maui Nui. Our CORAL team and partners on the ground recognize that we need to act urgently if we want to save the Maui Nui coral reefs from the threats of land-based pollution. To learn more about the projects funded across Hawaii, see NOAA’s news release.