The background: Friends of the Reef

The double whammy of climate change and El Nino is increasingly causing coral reefs to bleach.

While this has obvious consequences for the reefs, it also raises major concerns about coastal livelihoods around the world.

Better reefs for better lives
Through Friends of the Reef, WWF envisions a world where the reefs of the Asia Pacific are more resistant and resilient against the impacts of climate change. This will ensure that reef biodiversity is maintained, and that reef ecosystems continue to provide critical support for subsistence, tourism, and other uses. 

But Friends of the Reef goes beyond building up the reef defenses. It is also hoped that governments of major reef countries will promote better-managed Marine Protected Areas.

At the same time, governments of developed countries must acknowledge and respond to calls for emission mitigation in support of impact reduction on coral reefs.

Lower emissions, better management
How do you make up reefs more resistant? First, call for (and demonstrate) improved management of marine areas in major reef countries. Then, push for a reduction of emissions in developed countries to reduce climate change. The desired result? Reefs that are better able to stand up to reoccurring bleaching events and sustain themselves and the people that depend on them in the long term. 

Friends of the Reef is initiated and coordinated by WWF Indonesia, in collaboration with WWF offices and partners in major Asia-Pacific reef countries and regions, namely:

• Bali Barat National Park - Indonesia
• Bunaken National Park - Indonesia
• Cenderawasih National Park - Indonesia
• Ujung Kulon National Park - Indonesia
• Karimun Jawa National Park - Indonesia
• Thousand Islands National Park - Indonesia
• Tubataha National Park - Philippines
• El Nido National Park - Philippines
• Phuket Island - Thailand
• Hat Noppaatthara/ Phi Phi Island National Park - Thailand
• Mu Ko Surin National Park/ Pha Nga Province - Thailand
• Ko Rawi, Ko Adang and Ko Bulonle/ Satun Province - Thailand
• Kabara Island - Fiji

In total, there are 13 sites in four countries where Friends of the Reef is being implemented.