Blue Pangolin Consulting was engaged by Catalytic Finance, on behalf of the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR), to undertake a strategic mapping of the coral reef and ocean resilience landscape across the Asia–Pacific region, with a particular focus on Pacific Island countries. The objective of the assignment was to clarify GFCR’s positioning within an increasingly complex ecosystem of initiatives, donors, and financing mechanisms, and to identify where it aligns with, complements, or fills gaps in existing efforts.
The work combined desk-based analysis with targeted interviews with GFCR programme leads and convening agents. Programme- and country-level analysis was undertaken across GFCR’s focus countries in the Pacific and South East Asia, examining how regional policy frameworks, scientific initiatives, and coordination mechanisms translate into investable, reef-positive solutions. Particular attention was paid to patterns of concentration and fragmentation, highlighting both areas of saturation and contexts where limited support persists despite high reef dependence and climate vulnerability.
The analysis provided GFCR with a structured evidence base to inform strategic decision-making, investment prioritisation, and engagement pathways across diverse regional and national contexts.
Key deliverables included:
- Mapping of major global and regional coral reef and ocean resilience initiatives, donors, and financing mechanisms.
- Comparative analysis of GFCR’s positioning relative to other initiatives, identifying alignment, complementarities, and gaps.
- Programme- and country-level assessment to inform strategic engagement and investment decisions.
- Synthesis of interview insights capturing GFCR’s practical added value at programme and country levels.
