More than 60 representatives from governments, diplomatic missions, science and conservation organisations, financial institutions and other stakeholders gathered in London on Wednesday 30 September 2026 to mark the European launch of the Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025.
Hosted on behalf of the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) and held in collaboration with Kanaloa and Blue Pangolin Consulting, the reception provided an opportunity to reflect on the latest evidence about the state of the world’s coral reefs, and, more importantly, what that evidence means for decisive action.
The evening brought together a diverse group of voices united by a shared interest in the future of coral reefs and the communities and ecosystems that depend on them. With coral reefs facing unprecedented pressures from climate change and other global impacts, the conversation focused not only on the scale of the challenge, but also on the opportunities for science, collaboration and innovation to make a difference.
A central theme of the evening was the importance of turning scientific knowledge into practical action. One initiative highlighted during the reception was the Global Coral Biobank, led in partnership by Kanaloa and the G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP). The project is developing a global network of regional, biosecure and expert-managed biobanks containing fragments of living coral from reef regions around the world.
Bridging Science, Policy and Action
Blue Pangolin Consulting has been heavily involved in the GCRMN report production, with both Francis and Tom serving as co-editors of the report. Alongside this work Margaux has been supporting the report’s science-to-policy efforts, leading the policy stream of the Communications and Policy Taskforce.
These roles reflect an important part of the report’s wider purpose: ensuring that the wealth of knowledge generated through global coral reef monitoring can reach the people and institutions who can use it to inform action.
Bringing Diverse Voices
The reception also provided an opportunity to hear from leaders working across diplomacy, science, conservation and coral reef research.
We were particularly pleased to welcome:
- E. The Honourable Jay Weatherill AO, Australian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom
- E. Mrs Evelyne Genta, Ambassador of Monaco to the UK
- Professor Heather Koldewey, Lead, Bertarelli Foundation’s Marine Science Programme, Zoological Society of London
- Dr Jérémy Wicquart, Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) Consultant
- Mike Shackleford, Chief Operating Officer, Kanaloa
- Inga Thordar, Chief Catalyst Officer, Kanaloa
Their contributions helped bring different perspectives to the discussion, from the role of governments and international cooperation to the importance of monitoring, scientific research, conservation and new approaches to protecting coral biodiversity.
Continuing the conversation
The London reception was an important moment to connect people working in different parts of the coral reef community and to consider how those connections can translate into meaningful action.
At Blue Pangolin Consulting, we were delighted to help facilitate an evening centred on collaboration and shared purpose. The breadth of representation in the room reinforced the importance of creating spaces where governments, scientists, conservationists, financial institutions and other stakeholders can come together around complex global challenges.
The Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025 provides an important evidence base for understanding where coral reefs stand today. The challenge now is to ensure that knowledge continues to inform practical solutions, investment and international action.
We are grateful to everyone who joined us in London, and especially to our speakers, partners and the wider GCRMN community for contributing their expertise and perspectives.
We look forward to continuing the conversation and to supporting further collaboration to help safeguard coral reefs for generations to come.
Learn more about our work with the GCRMN” and link to the new page – www.blue-pangolin.co.uk/gcrmn
