Corals and reefs are critical, not only for the thousands of species they support directly but also for the approximately 1 billion people who depend on them for income and coastal protection. Presently, 44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction as global warming has warmed ocean temperatures to unprecedented levels, often resulting in swathes of bleached corals.

According to CORDAP, in the past two years, 77% of the world’s coral reefs were exposed to severe bleaching heat stress. With 2024 declared the warmest year on record — 1.55°C above pre-industrial levels — the stakes for coral conservation have never been higher.

It comes just in time then that CORDAP has announced its new funding programme – the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP). With a total of USD1.5 million allocated to the call, CORDAP aims to support researchers working on finding local, affordable coral conservation and restoration solutions in developing countries.

Applicants must be from low and middle-income countries (LMIC) and will be awarded up to USD 100,000 for up to two years. The deadline for submission is 18 April, 2025, and funded projects are expected to commence in late 2025.

CORDAP has already committed USD 28 million in coral research and restoration projects around the world, and is currently supporting the work of more than 130 researchers.

Carlos Duarte, Executive Director of CORDAP emphasizsd the critical nature of the funding programme: “At CORDAP, we recognize that addressing the coral crisis requires a truly global effort, one that empowers researchers in the regions most affected by coral degradation.

“Low and middle-income countries face significant barriers to accessing the resources and funding needed to develop innovative solutions on coral research and restoration. Our new funding program is designed to reduce the existing gap between the Global North and Global South by providing critical funding to scientists and institutions in developing countries and ensure that global solutions are adapted to local contexts.”

By funding a number of innovative and local led projects, the Coral Local Innovation Program aims to encourage local technology development and innovative approaches to coral conservation and restoration in developing countries and enhance the capacity of local scientists, researchers, and organisations to conduct coral and reef research and development activities in developing countries while addressing critical knowledge gaps in local coral conservation and restoration. The received funding can be used for direct coral research, development, and educational activities, including the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies, consulting services, and project staff salaries.

The deadline for submissions of CLIP 2025 proposals is 18 April, 2025. A Q&A webinar will be held on 18 March, 2025, 12:00 UTC to discuss the application process. For more information visit CORDAP’s website.

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