Protecting our coral reefs and preserving cultures
Communities throughout the Pacific have generations of cultural knowledge to protect our ocean reefs. However, faced with today’s overwhelming challenges, they cannot do it alone. OneReef partners directly with these ocean stewards to help them address challenges—like enforcing managed fishing zones, effectively measuring impact, and fostering future stewards. Whereas only an insignificant percentage of $85 billion spent annually on biodiversity conservation is made directly available to locals managing their ecosystems, we are flipping the equation—supporting trusted ocean stewards who responsibly own and manage their reef and island ecosystems.
Helping communities take the lead in stewardship:
- Establish a shared vision for every community
- Engage the community through local training, council meetings, and gatherings
- Coordinate with government, community leaders, and partners to ensure effective coral reef protection.
- Finance stewardship and generate economic benefits
- Provide advanced science and technology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Train personnel and monitor the impact of marine conservation efforts.
Ensuring crucial knowledge is passed
on to future stewards:
- Connect elders and youth to transfer generational knowledge
- Build a kinship with nature through hands-on learning in after-school and summer programs
- Enrich learning spaces to inspire future stewards.
Learn more about OneReef and its vision for the future.
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Scaling partnership agreements across the Pacific
Funders and partners who share in the vision of these communities
Russell Fuller Donates $2 Million to support the OneReef model
In 2021 OneReef received its first seven-figure gift to support operations. Russ Fuller, co-founder and principal of Fuller & Thaler, made a $2m contribution after a decade of involvement with OneReef. As an experienced diver and Vietnam War Silver Star recipient, OneReef’s model aligned with his calling to contribute to the world by advancing communities facing overwhelming challenges.
Inspiring stories of stewardship
OneReef Partners with Pacific Leaders to Strengthen Community Engagement
Through a customized shared vision plan for each community, OneReef helps each community to take the lead with stewardship efforts. We actively engage community leaders through local events,
3D Coral Reef Monitoring Guides Conservation and Adaptation Efforts
This past September Nicole Yamase, OneReef Impact Director, Colin Hyatt, OneReef Impact Coordinator, and two of our partners from the Sandin Lab at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
OneReef’s Partner in Palau Featured in National Geographic’s Indigenous Futures Issue
The National Geographic’s July 2024 Special “Indigenous Futures” issue featured the “Defenders of the Reef” article which celebrated the success of the Hatohobei community in Palau, a OneReef
