The Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP), a G20 initiative, has released a three-year strategic plan to boost research that aims at helping secure a future for coral reefs in the face of climate change and other environmental pressures.
More than two-thirds of the world’s tropical coral reefs have been lost due to human activity, with most of the remaining third likely to decline in the decades to come.
Established in 2020, CORDAP’s mission is to bring together the best minds around the world in a transdisciplinary approach, to accelerate international research and development to supply the next generation of technologies and innovations required to secure a future for corals and reefs.
The 2022-2025 strategic plan sets out how CORDAP will develop and deliver a number of targeted research funding programs. Its open-source platform model will allow anyone to advance and use the technologies developed through its programs for coral restoration.
Six project types have been identified and detailed in the strategic plan: novel R&D projects, projects improving or scaling up existing restoration activities, translation R&D, scoping and planning studies, foundation science to support restoration implementation, capacity building and local implementation models.
According to CORDAP Scientific and Advisory Committee Chair David Mead:
“The window of opportunity to secure the future of our tropical coral reefs and deep-water corals is shrinking quickly. However, the good news is that many of the world’s tropical corals remain resilient and respond to active stewardship, which will help drive their recovery. While advancing the next generation of science and technology needed to steer this stewardship, CORDAP will also increase support for and complement the vital existing work being carried out at national, regional and international levels.”
Check out CORDAP’s Strategic Plan here.
