UNOC3: Protecting Coral Reefs, Preserving Ocean Health

Coral reefs, which support the livelihoods of about 1 billion people, are facing unprecedented threats, making them one of the most vulnerable ecosystems on the planet. Climate change, in particular, is pushing these vital ecosystems toward what could be the first functional extinction of an entire ecosystem within our lifetimes. However, there is a critical opportunity to protect and conserve coral reefs, particularly by focusing on coral refugia—areas that demonstrate resilience to the impacts of climate change, including bleaching resistance and recovery.

To secure new sources of public and private funding for the protection of the world’s most resilient coral reefs and prevent their collapse, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) was launched in 2020 by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), the United Nations and a coalition of partners. Hosting a UN-managed fund and collaborating with a diverse range of investment partners, the GFCR supports locally led initiatives and transformative investments guided by an integrated, ecosystem-based approach focused on conserving significant coral refugia ecosystems.

GFCR's reef-positive solutions encompass enterprises and financial mechanisms designed to tackle local drivers of ecosystem degradation, strengthen protected areas, and unlock funding for conservation while delivering sustainable benefits to coastal communities and economies. GFCR’s portfolio encompasses four impact sectors:

• Sustainable Ocean Production: fisheries, aquaculture, mariculture
• Sustainable Coastal Development: ecotourism, blue and natural coastal infrastructure including reef restoration
• Circular Economy and Pollution Management: solid waste management, recycling, wastewater treatment
• Financial Mechanisms: Marine Protected Area (MPA) special purpose vehicles (SPVs), payment for ecosystem services (e.g., blue carbon, coral reef insurance, biodiversity credits), debt conversion, bonds, conservation trust funds

At the 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in October 2024, GFCR launched its replenishment; aiming to mobilise at least $150 million USD by UNOC3.

With capitalisation underway, by 2030, GFCR aims to support over 400 reef-positive businesses and sustainable financial mechanisms; the resilience of over 20 million community members and 3 million hectares of coral reefs - representing 12.5% of remaining coral reefs on Earth; and sustainable financing flows for 7.5 million hectares of MPAs. GFCR’s investments will aim to leverage $2-3 billion USD in public and private finance for the benefit of marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

“The vitality of the ocean and the lives of more than one billion people are inextricably linked to coral reefs,” said Ambassador Peter Thomson, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Ocean. “In 2024, climate change and other human impacts triggered the fourth mass coral reef bleaching event, the most extensive and devastating on record. With the window to protect these ecosystems closing rapidly, world leaders must act now. I urge states, philanthropies, and investors to commit the Global Fund for Coral Reefs at the upcoming UN Ocean Conference. We must secure a sustainable future for coral reefs and the countless lives that rely on them—before it’s too late.”

2025 United Nations Ocean Conference

The 2025 United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3)aims to advance global efforts toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), Life Below Water. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, the conference will focus on scaling ocean action, strengthening ocean governance, accelerating sustainable blue economies, and fostering resilience to climate change and ocean-related challenges.

Within the UNOC3 agenda, coral reefs are a top priority due to their critical role in maintaining marine biodiversity, supporting coastal communities, and providing essential ecosystem services. In the wake of the fourth mass global bleaching event, UNOC3 will serve as a crucial forum to scale global action toprotect, restore, and sustain coral reef ecosystems, recognizing their indispensable value for the health of the planet and the livelihoods of millions of people worldwide.During the conference, major coral reef segments of the agenda will serve as powerful opportunities to engage, collaborate, and drive meaningful action.

• 11 June: Reef Action Hub | Location TBC

Following its success at the 2022 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC) in Lisbon and the CBD COP16 #ForCoral Pavilion, the Reef Action Hub is returning to Nice to hold a dedicated space for coral reef action. Convened by the United Nations, the International Coral Reef Initiative, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, and supported by a global network of coral reef actors, the Reef Action Hub will host global leaders, renowned scientists, public and private sector stakeholders, and local conservation champions through a dynamic series of events and workshops demonstrating implementation needs, innovative opportunities and scientific breakthroughs. The Hub will aim to deliver impactful outcomes, including knowledge exchange, global partnerships, and financial commitments.

• 11 June: UNOC3 Coral Reef Pledge Session & Reception | Location TBC

This high-level Coral Reef Pledge Session will serve as a pivotal moment to scale action to save coral ecosystems, spotlighting the public and private sector leaders stepping up against the threat of extinction. The session will showcase new financial commitments from states, philanthropies, investors, and other leaders supporting the scale up action in the run up to 2030, advancing the targets of SDG 14 and the Global Biodiversity Framework.Emphasis will be placed on commitments that underpin efforts to stem local drivers of reef degradation, including land-based pollution, destructive coastal development, and overfishing. The session will also highlight funding toward expanding the area of coral reefs under effective protection, strengthening resilience-based conservation efforts - including addressing key local drivers of degradation, as well as commitments to accelerate restoration initiatives.

• 12 June: 36 Artists #ForCoral | Private Location - By Invitation

36 For Coral is a first-of-its-kind art exhibition planned as part of the Coral Collective campaign on the sidelines of UNOC3 that brings together 36 of the world’s most celebrated artists to inspire global action and enable greater funding for coral reef conservation. Hosted at the Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat in Nice, the exhibition opens on the evening of 12 June with an elegant cocktail reception and will showcase extraordinary works by artists including Walton Ford, Vik Muniz, Judy Chicago, Marc Quinn, and Nana Funo. All pieces will then be available through Sotheby’s online, auctioned live during the closing event on June 21. Guided by an esteemed committee including HRH Princess Eugenie of York, Vito Schnabel, and Michel de Carvalho, and supported by ambassadors such as Kate Moss, Rita Ora, Will Poulter, and Sienna Miller, 36 For Coral unites the power of art to protect the future of our ocean.

---