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Driving Reef-Positive Solutions: UNDP Maldives at the REEF+ Convening in Zanzibar

Zanzibar, Tanzania | 10-13 February 2025

February 13, 2025
Group photo of a diverse gathering in a garden surrounded by greenery.

Driving REEF+ Solutions

UNDP

In February 2025, members from UNDP Maldives, alongside the Ministry of Tourism and Environment, joined global experts at the REEF+ Convening in Zanzibar to advance coral conservation finance, a convening under the under the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) initiative. The event brought together key practitioners to discuss and drive sustainable, reef-positive solutions, reflecting the urgency of securing financing for coral protection.

A Platform for Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange
REEF+ isn’t just a conference—it’s a dynamic platform for networking, learning, and sharing solutions in coral conservation. Focused on financing scalable, reef-positive initiatives, the convening facilitated discussions and collaborations that expanded the global dialogue on coral finance and management.

For the GFCR Maldives RREEF Programme team, the Maldives project under the GFCR initiative, the event was an invaluable opportunity to engage with international stakeholders and share insights on the Maldives’ unique conservation challenges. Through workshops and discussions, the team contributed to the broader conversation on sustainable reef management.

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Driving REEF+ Solutions

UNDP

Key Objectives of the REEF+ Convening
The convening achieved several key objectives aligned with the Maldives’ commitment to sustainable coral conservation:

  • Maximise cross-program learning: Best practices were shared, fostering continuous improvement in coral conservation.

  • Build capacity: Sessions focused on conservation finance, blended finance, and sector-specific practices, equipping participants with actionable tools.

  • Promote networking: The event catalysed strategic partnerships, strengthening the GFCR community.

  • Catalyse ongoing engagement: Discussions sparked future collaborations and ideas for continued action.

  • Encourage South-South cooperation: The event fostered peer exchange between coral conservation practitioners from the West Indian Ocean and Red Sea regions.

Maldives' Role in Reef-Positive Finance
The Maldives continues to lead in coral conservation, and at REEF+, its representatives showcased innovative reef-positive finance models. The nation’s focus was on strengthening global partnerships and securing long-term funding for coral restoration and protection.

A group of people seated around tables in a well-lit conference room, engaged in discussion.

Driving REEF+ Solutions

UNDP

Looking Ahead
The lessons learned at REEF+ will help shape future coral management initiatives in the Maldives. The GFCR Maldives RREEF Programme and Ministry of Tourism and Environment are committed to applying this knowledge to ensure the long-term health of the nation’s marine ecosystems. This convening marks the beginning of an ongoing dialogue, reinforcing the need for global cooperation to safeguard coral reefs for future generations.