Coral reefs, among the planet’s most valuable and vulnerable ecosystems, are facing unprecedented threats from climate change, pollution, and coastal development. As these pressures intensify, efforts to recognise, value, and protect coral reefs have never been more urgent.
Coral reefs play a critical role in protecting coastlines from storms, sustaining fisheries and tourism, and supporting the livelihoods of close to a billion people worldwide. Beyond their ecological importance, reefs underpin economic resilience and food security for coastal communities across the globe.
France’s Unique Responsibility for Coral Reef Protection
France holds a distinctive global responsibility for coral reef conservation. Its coral reefs are spread across overseas territories in three oceans and represent 78% of France’s maritime area. Covering nearly 60,000 km², French coral reefs are largely concentrated in New Caledonia and French Polynesia, which together account for almost 90% of this surface area. Their biodiversity far exceeds that of mainland France, making their protection a national and international priority.
In recognition of this responsibility, Blue Pangolin Consulting continues to support the secretariat of the Initiative Française pour les Récifs Coralliens (IFRECOR). This work strengthens knowledge sharing, coordination, and action to safeguard France’s coral reefs. A key milestone in 2026 will be the publication of the State of Health of Coral Reefs, Seagrass Beds and Mangroves of French Overseas Territories.
Strengthening Coastal Resilience Across the Indo-Pacific
Beyond France, Blue Pangolin is supporting a multi-partner initiative led by the Asian Development Bank, alongside Landell Mills, Swiss Re, WWF, and other partners. The project spans the Philippines, Indonesia, Fiji, and the Solomon Islands, and aims to strengthen coastal climate resilience through the economic valuation of coral reefs and the development of sustainable and risk-based finance models, including parametric insurance solutions.
This pioneering approach seeks to align reef conservation with financial resilience, ensuring that nature-based solutions are integrated into climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable coastal communities.
Contributing to Global Knowledge on Coral Reef Health
At the global scale, Blue Pangolin experts Francis and Tom are part of the editorial team for the forthcoming Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025. Tom also co-led the data collation effort, resulting in the largest global dataset of coral reef monitoring ever assembled, an essential resource for science-based policy and action.
Supporting the Future of Reef Restoration
Blue Pangolin’s engagement extends to coral reef restoration efforts worldwide. Margaux continues to support restoration initiatives through her role on the advisory board of the Coral Restoration Consortium and will contribute to Reef Futures 2026, the premier global conference dedicated exclusively to the practice and science of coral reef restoration.
A Collective Effort for People, Economies, and the Ocean
Across these initiatives, Blue Pangolin supports knowledge dissemination, capacity development, and stakeholder engagement, helping ensure coral reefs are recognised not only for their beauty, but for their vital role in protecting coastlines, sustaining economies, and supporting communities.
Protecting coral reefs is not optional. It is essential for resilience, livelihoods, and the future of the ocean.
