ABOUT
The GFCR operates through two primary financial instruments: the GFCR UN Fund and the private-sector-led GFCR Equity Fund.
As an implementation vehicle for the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), Life Below Water, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) coalition strengthens the resilience of coastal reef ecosystems, local communities, and economies by mobilising new public and private resources that advance sustainable businesses and innovative financial solutions. GFCR’s locally driven implementation and investments follow an integrated ecosystem-based approach focused on “coral refugia,” coral reef habitats that demonstrate resilience to climate change impacts.
GFCR UN Fund
The GFCR UN Fund, managed by a UN Global Team, provides grants, technical assistance, and concessional finance through GFCR’s on-site partners – a world-class group of international and national conservation and sustainable investment leaders. These partners provide incubation services and pipeline development for enterprises, finance mechanisms, and other solutions at country and regional levels.
GFCR Equity Fund
The GFCR Equity Fund, managed by Pegasus Capital Advisors, invests in commercial projects and companies with business models that reduce threats and stressors to coastal habitats including critical coral reefs, and supports innovative, replicable, and scalable solutions. As a blended finance vehicle, the Equity Fund includes a junior anchor investment from the Green Climate Fund.
Reef-Positive Solutions
“Reef-positive” solutions include businesses and financial mechanisms that have a positive impact on coral reef resilience while providing sustainable benefits for ecosystems, economies, and local communities.
Pathways to Scale
GFCR’s Strategic Plan seeks to accelerate progress towards achieving its mission and impact targets through five interconnected pathways to scale coral reef finance:
Finance Mechanisms
Expand sustainable finance mechanisms to ensure abundant and stable resources dedicated to coral reefs, marine conservation, and reef-positive businesses. The GFCR UN Fund develops financial mechanisms to support sustainable Marine Protected Area (MPA) financing including payment for ecosystem services (e.g. blue carbon, coral reef insurance, biodiversity credits), debt conversion, bonds, and conservation trust funds.
Ocean-Positive Businesses
Continue growing investible reef and ocean-positive business pipelines that transform coastal economies and communities toward sustainability and abundance. Business sectors include fisheries, aquaculture and agriculture, ecotourism, wastewater treatment, sorting & recycling of waste, and technologies supporting target sectors.
National Investment Ecosystems
Foster an enabling environment at the national level to scale and replicate reef-positive business and sustainable finance.
Knowledge, Learning & Impact Cycle
Create a virtuous cycle of knowledge and learning to influence effective investment and policy choices.
Global Ocean Finance & Policy Shift
Mainstream blended and innovative finance approaches, strengthen institutions, and leverage GFCR’s coalition to transform ocean finance and policy.
#ForCoral Champions
“Coral reefs are integral to our way of life and cultural identity. Without urgent action, they are rapidly heading towards extinction. The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to protect this crucial resource and act as a vital shield against storm surges, coastal erosion, and other climate-related threats. To maximize the impact of this funding, streamlined access is essential. I urge member states, philanthropic organizations, and impact investors to increase their support to help GFCR achieve its urgent 2030 goals for coral protection and community resilience.”
H.E. Surangel S. Whipps
President of the Republic of Palau
"Zanzibar is home to vast coral reefs that have supported community livelihoods and a vibrant tourism sector. Therefore, we commit to upholding a sustainable blue economy in partnership with coalitions such as the Global Fund for Coral Reefs to protect and conserve Zanzibar's coral reefs and their ecosystems to ensure that we and future generations continue to benefit from this critical national treasure.”
Hon. Shaaban Ali Othman
Minister of Blue Economy and Fisheries of Zanzibar
“As the leading coral finance instrument globally, the GFCR offers an investment-ready pathway aligned to deliver on the ambitious targets set by the Coral Reef Breakthrough, the 2030 Agenda, and the Global Biodiversity Framework. After more than three years of building a robust investment pipeline and initiating early projects, GFCR's portfolio of innovative market-based solutions is poised to conserve 3 million hectares of coral reefs globally—this represents 25% of the Coral Reef Breakthrough's spatial target.”
H.E. Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak
UN Climate Change High-Level Champion
“The new capitalisation commitments to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs from UBS Optimus Foundation and the Governments of New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Germany and France will boost efforts to mobilize financing for critical 2030 targets. The funding will help create sustainable financial mechanisms to shift coastal economies away from destructive business models, protect vital ecosystems from local stressors, and give a fighting chance to these underwater rainforests that support significant global marine lifeHowever, we are still far from the full capitalisation target and urge member states, philanthropies and impact investors to step up commitments to prevent the functional collapse of an entire ecosystem before it is too late.”
Pradeep Kurukulasuriya
Executive Secretary United Nations Capital Development Fund
“Protecting our ocean and its precious habitats is fundamental to life on earth. But without urgent action, the world's coral reefs face extinction from global heating, acidification, disease, and pollution; a vital ecosystem lost within our lifetime. That's why the UK is providing additional support to the Global Fund for Coral Reefs. We must support these critical marine ecosystems, and on behalf of the UK, I urge others to join forces and fight for a sustainable future of coral reefs across the globe."
Mary Creagh
Minister for Nature Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs United Kingdom
"Indonesia aims to protect 30% of its ocean by 2045, focusing on important areas such as coral reefs and other ecosystems. Coral reefs are a cornerstone of our marine biodiversity, supporting the livelihoods of coastal communities and contributing significantly to our national economy through fisheries, aquaculture and tourism. However, financing this ambitious target and its sustainability requires big investments. By working with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs and its partners, Konservasi Indonesia and Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara, and other programs such as Lautra (ocean prosperity) we have introduced unique financing mechanisms, including the Raja Ampat Mooring System (RAMS), reef positive seaweed development, and the first debt-for-nature swap focused" on coratreets.
Dr. Firdaus Agung
Director of Ecosystem and Aquatic Biota Conservation, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia
"How we care for the environment is a reflection of how we care for one another. When it comes to restoring and preserving the world's coral reels, we have an urgent obligation to intervene and pursue innovations to create a flywheel effect to save these vibrant natural resources. Builders Vision is proud to make philanthropic and capital investments as part of the United Nations Coral Reef Fund's powerful and growing toolbox."
Lukas Walton
CEO and Founder, Builders Vision
"The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) Coalition is committed to helping deliver on the Coral Reef Breakthrough targets, to support successful implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, to preserve coral reefs, for ours, and future generations. We know that good intentions are only as good as the financial force behind them. Today's announcements reflect the solid strategy and partnerships in place to get us there. At this pivotal moment for our blue planet, the GFCR invites countries, private investors, financial institutions, and philanthropies to join our Coalition working to scale 'reef. positive investment' towards achievement of the Coral Reef Breakthrough."
Leticia Carvalho
GFCR Executive Board Co-Chair Head of Marine and Freshwater Branch UN Environment Programme
"We need coral reefs. The impacts of climate change, land and marine pollution, unsustainable tourism and development, overfishing and other harmful activities threaten their survival. And these threats have resulted in the loss of more than half of the world's coral reefs, and 90 percent of what remains is at risk of disappearing by 2050. The time to act is now. This effort requires funding to implement solutions that protect and restore our blue ecosystems. As UN Environment's Advocate For Life Below Water, I ask you to join me in supporting the Global Fund for Coral Reefs."
Jason Momoa
United Nations Environment Programme Advocate for Life Below Water
"Coral reefs are the cornerstones of the Seychelles marine ecosystem. They support our unique biodiversity, generate jobs and incomes for local communities and businesses, and protect the people and the islands from storm surges and rising sea levels. With the Ocean's Resolve program, we hope to catalyse action to protect these critical ecosystems and create a sustainable and resilient economic model that benefits the people of Seychelles today, tomorrow, and for generations to come."
Marie-May Jeremie
CEO, SeyCCAT
"We are delighted at the launch of the Gulf of Aqaba Resilient Reefs Programme. This transformative initiative will attract private investment into reef-positive enterprises, benefiting Aqaba's marine life and communities. Through blended finance, we will protect Aqaba's coral reef refugia, advance science on reef resilience, establish sustainable finance mechanisms, and empower local communities. With over 260 hectares of reef revitalization, a 700-hectare fishing area restoration, and investment in reef-friendly businesses, we are driving positive change. UNDP is committed to climate action and integrated development solutions. We invite all stakeholders to join us in preserving the Gulf of Aqaba's coral reefs and securing a sustainable future."
Randa Aboul-Hosn
Resident Representative UN Development Programme Jordan
"Protecting the ocean from climate change and other threats requires greater safeguards for our coral reefs. The Global Fund for Coral Reefs is already making a difference, providing a critical vehicle for philanthropy to engage the public and private sectors around proven ocean solutions. Bloomberg Philanthropies is glad to be part of this coalition bringing partners and funders together to protect reefs, combat climate change, and deliver better, longer lives for people around the world."
Antha Williams
Global Climate and Environment Programs Lead Bloomberg Philanthropies
"Forty percent of the global population lives along coastlines and are directly impacted by climate change's damage to our oceans, yet initiatives to help the coral reefs and these communities are drastically underfunded. As one of the only funds dedicated to scaling financial solutions for coral reefs and their connected communities, this initiative not only protects crucial ecosystems but establishes a precedent for responsible investment, fostering positive change for the planet and for people."
Craig Cogut
Founder, Chairman, and CEO Pegasus Capital Advisors
Contact Info
GFCR UN Fund
For more information on the GFCR UN Fund, please contact gfcr@uncdf.org
GFCR Equity Fund
For more information on the GFCR Equity Fund, please contact gfcr@pcalp.com.
