Protecting the world’s most biodiverse coral reef ecosystems

The UK’s International Climate Finance (ICF) is supporting Indonesia in scaling solutions to safeguard coral reefs that underpin food security, livelihoods, and climate resilience. In Raja Ampat, workers deploy mooring buoys to strengthen marine protected area management and prevent reef damage from anchoring. These efforts align with the UK National Security Assessment, which identifies the Coral Triangle as critical for global ecosystems and seafood supplies affecting UK food security.

Indonesia’s Coral Triangle contains 76% of the world’s reefs and produces 30% of global tuna, yet over 85% of reefs face threats from overfishing and habitat destruction. The UK is assisting through community-led conservation, including the establishment of Indonesia’s largest marine protected area with co-management by local authorities and fishing communities.

UK funding has enabled the installation of 10 mooring systems that allow boats to anchor without damaging reefs, protecting over 1,700 coral species. These measures directly contribute to sustainable fishing practices and the preservation of marine biodiversity in the region.

To date, UK investment has placed over 526,000 hectares of Indonesian reefs under sustainable management, supporting ICF Key Performance Indicator 17. This initiative not only protects biodiversity and food security but also helps coastal communities adopt long-term strategies to sustain fish stocks for future generations.