AF-funded Coral Restoration Project
Restoring Marine Ecosystem Services by Rehabilitating Coral Reefs to Meet a Changing Climate Future
Coral Reefs are the foundation of food security and coastal livelihoods in Mauritius and Seychelles. Reefs in the Western Indian Ocean have suffered from negative human-induced impacts, in addition to climate change associated coral bleaching which has caused extreme degradation.
The Adaptation Fund, through a grant of USD 9,132,420 is enabling:
- The enhancement of food security and reduction of risks from natural disasters through the restoration of degraded reefs in Mauritius and Seychelles;
- Knowledge management and sharing, training and sensitisation to build regional capacity for sustainable reef restorations;
- The establishment of coral farming and nursery facilities.
A cost sharing agreement has also been signed with the Government of Mauritius for the setting up of land- based nurseries and seawater pumping system for asexual coral reproduction at the Mauritius Oceanographic Institute and land-based nurseries for sexual reproduction at Albion Fisheries Research Centre.
Partners in Mauritius:
- Ministry of Blue Economy, Marine Resources, Fisheries and Shipping
- Mauritius Oceanography Institute
- Albion Fisheries Research Centre
- Eco-Sud
- Reef Conservation
- Shoals Rodrigues
Partners in Seychelles
- Ministry of Agriculture, Climate Change and Environment
- Seychelles Parks and Garden Authority
- Nature Seychelles
- Marine Conservation Society of Seychelles
Download the project factsheet here.
KEY TARGETS
• At least 3.2 Ha in Mauritius, 1 Ha in Rodrigues and 2.5 Ha in Seychelles of degraded sites restored using farmed corals.
• At least 800 persons with improved livelihoods from coral restoration activities and/or due to the improved coastal and marine ecosystems supported by the restored corals.
• At least 3 published papers on coral reef restoration, with contribution from at least 3 female scientists.
• Ocean nurseries set up in protected areas in Mauritius, Rodrigues and Seychelles using coral fragments.
• At least 10% increase in live coral cover, fish density and diversity in Mauritius and Rodrigues.
• At least one land-based nursery established and operational in Mauritius and one in Seychelles