The International Coral Reef Initiative

The International
Coral Reef Initiative

Our long history with coral reefs

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a global partnership between Nations and organisations which strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world. ICRI emerged from the recognition that coral reefs and related ecosystems found in tropical and sub- tropical regions are facing serious degradation, primarily due to acute and chronic anthropogenic stresses. Many nations face similar threats to natural resources and ecosystem services as well as similar management problems. The Initiative was founded in 1994 and has since grown to a network of 102 members, including 45 countries who represent over 75% of the world’s coral reefs. The work of ICRI is regularly recognised for its important cooperation, collaboration, and advocacy role within the international arena.

Since 2016, Blue Pangolin Consulting has served as the Designated Administrative Representative (DAR) for ICRI, playing a critical role in the administration and management of the ICRI Secretariat on behalf of the co-chairs. This role is central to the effective functioning of ICRI and the achievement of its mission and vision through coordination, facilitation, support, budget management, and liaison roles, as appropriate.

Blue Pangolin’s founder, Francis, has over 25 years experience working with ICRI and has advised over 15 Governments on the effective conservation of coral reefs.

The main activities of ICRI's administration include:

Overseeing the implementation of the ICRI Plan of Action.
Carrying out the financial stewardship of the ICRI Secretariat.
Managing membership of ICRI members.
Convening and organising the General Meeting.
Receiving and answering correspondence on behalf of the Initiative.
Identifying and liaising with successive state(s) acting as Chair to take on Host Secretariat responsibilities.

Representation

The Secretariat ensures that all activities are aligned with ICRI’s vision and mission, providing strategic guidance and support to members. They represent ICRI in various international forums, advocating for policies and actions that support coral reef conservation, including input on international texts and organising side events at global conferences.

Financial Management

BPC oversees the budget allocated for ICRI activities, ensuring funds are used efficiently and transparently. This involves financial planning, monitoring expenditures, and preparing financial reports. BPC also works to secure funding and resources necessary for ICRI’s initiatives, engaging with donors and stakeholders to ensure sustained financial support.

Communication

BPC maintains and updates ICRI’s online presence, including the ICRIforum website, Newsletters, and social media platforms, to promote ICRI’s work and disseminate information to a global audience. This includes the continuous communication with the Membership to share updates from the Secretariat alongside updates from the members.

ICRI's ad hoc committees

ICRI’s ad hoc committees (AHC) are temporary working groups that tackle a specific topic or issue related to ICRI’s objectives. AHC’s provide a voice, a coordination platform and/or an official mechanism to address important coral-reef related issues or ICRI organisational issues. Currently, the Secretariat is actively participating in the following AHCs:

The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)

The GCRMN, established in 1995 as an operational network of ICRI, is a collaborative effort aimed at assessing and monitoring the health of coral reefs worldwide. The ICRI Secretariat plays a crucial role within the GCRMN Core Team and Steering Committee, and contributes to its coordination and implementation. This involves comprehensive planning, content development, stakeholder engagement, and facilitation of presentations at regional workshops. The ICRI Secretariat plays a key role in organising and conducting workshops where experts can share knowledge, exchange best practices, and build capacity in monitoring and managing coral reef ecosystems. These workshops serve as platforms for fostering collaboration, raising awareness, and promoting the adoption of sustainable practices.

Francis and Tom are part of the editorial team for the development of the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025“, recent editors of the “Status and Trends of Coral Reefs of the Pacific: 1980 – 2023“, and Francis an editor of the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020“.