Landscape Assessment of 50 Reefs Approach to Coral Reef Conservation

Coral reefs provide valuable social and ecological services but are under increasing threat from multiple stressors, including rising ocean temperatures and nutrient pollution. To help preserve these valuable ecosystems, a group of scientists conducted a study to help focus conservation and restoration efforts in areas where they were most likely to be successful. Following 2018 publication of their study, which identified the 50 coral reefs judged most likely to be resilient to stressors, multiple public and private organizations have since prioritized coral conservation investments and activities in these reefs (known as the “50 Reefs” project). Bloomberg Philanthropies' Vibrant Oceans Initiative (VOI) hired ERG to conduct a landscape assessment of the effectiveness of the 50 Reefs approach to coral reef conservation.

ERG conducted interviews with representatives from non-governmental and funding organizations, including VOI grantees, funders supporting activities in 50 Reefs geographies, and organizations implementing activities that are directly informed by the 50 Reefs study. We then developed a report that summarizes the landscape assessment findings, discusses the impacts of conservation efforts inspired by 50 Reefs, and identifies opportunities for VOI and its partners moving forward. The report found that the 50 Reefs approach helped organizations and conservation investors prioritize 60 coral reef ecosystems across more than 40 countries—and that it is a successful approach for guiding conservation efforts of coral reefs in the future. The strategies highlighted in the report will pave the way for further coral reef conservation in a rapidly changing world.