The Wildlife Conservation Society has announced the launch of its Coral Reef Conservation Strategy for 2025–2030.
The new strategy aims to preserve and protect the world’s most resilient coral reefs. The plan is based on over 40 years of conservation experience at the WCS.
To achieve the most success in protecting coral reefs, which cover a mere 1% of the ocean, the WCS is focusing on high-integrity climate-resilient coral reefs (HICOR). These are thought to provide the best chance of coral survival, since they are predisposed to surviving climate change.
The new strategy is based on three key goals:
- Identifying and understanding HICOR
- Develop a plan to protect reefs through a diverse and joined-up conservation effort
- Bring people together to drive system-level change.
Commenting on the new strategy, Dr. Stacy Jupiter, executive director of the society’s Global Marine Program, stated:
“The world has likely already crossed 1.5°C of warming, and coral reefs are at a tipping point, but our science shows a clear path forward. Some coral reefs are defying the odds and have the ability to survive and fight back against the impacts of climate change – if we find them and protect them. This strategy is our commitment to act on that evidence.”
While the strategy process lead Dr. Emily Darling, director of coral reef conservation at WCS, added:
“This strategy is about more than just preventing loss and saving coral reefs. It’s about building a future where oceans thrive, communities prosper, and hope endures. By focusing on the coral reefs most likely to withstand climate change, we can spark recovery, build a resilient future, and show what’s possible when science, collaboration and commitment come together.”
Finally, Joe Walston, executive vice president for global conservation at WCS, stated:
“In the face of unprecedented pressures on coral reefs, this strategy renews our focus on resilience. By combining cutting-edge science, political action, and the co-creation of local solutions, we are investing in the reefs that have the greatest chance of surviving today. These reefs will not only endure but also drive recovery for the oceans and communities of tomorrow.”
You can find the WCS Coral Reef Conservation Strategy here.
