Reef Futures took place from 9th – 13th December 2024, in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Hosted by the Coral Restoration Consortium at Iberostar Group Hotels, the global conference centred on coral reef restoration, and brought together scientists, restoration practitioners, policymakers, and community leaders to tackle the growing challenges faced by coral reef ecosystems. The conference focused on advancing restoration science and scaling up innovative solutions, and the integration of Indigenous Local Knowledge to combat the impacts of climate change, habitat degradation, and biodiversity loss.
The venue itself underscored the theme of sustainability, with Iberostar’s Wave of Change initiative – a pioneering responsible tourism movement – showcasing how the tourism industry can contribute to a sustainable ocean economy.
Margaux, from Blue Pangolin Consulting (BPC) was pleased to contribute to the dialogue, as the Designated Administrative Representative (DAR) to the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). BPC continues to drive the prioritisation of coral reefs into global, regional and local conservation strategies.
“Coral reefs are at a critical juncture, and global partnerships like ICRI are essential for ensuring a resilient future for these ecosystems”.
During the conference, Margaux took part in multiple concurrent sessions throughout the week and presented ICRI’s role in contributing to global coral reef restoration efforts and presented a poster on the Coral Reef Breakthrough – an initiative launched by ICRI, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, and the UN High-level Climate Champions in 2023. She also joined the ICRI Restoration & Adaptation ad hoc Committee breakfast to further foster collaboration and innovation – advancing the Committee’s goals and objectives under ICRI.
During Reef Futures, Margaux also contributed to the following three workshops:
- Using artificial intelligence, machine learning, and computational science and technology to create efficiencies in coral reef restoration
- Tools, technologies, and Innovation Showcase
- Coral Restoration in the Middle East
Reef Futures 2024 underscored the urgency of preserving coral ecosystems while celebrating progress made in restoration science and conservation policy. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, the event reinforced the message that a sustainable future for coral reefs is possible, provided there is collective action at local, national, and global levels.
