Coral Reef Alliance as the Hero of Coral Reefs
Posted by Charity Watcher on Tuesday, January 12, 2016
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), a non-profit San Francisco-based organization, is one of the world’s most prominent heroes in the protection of coral reefs. Together with its partners including local reef communities, it has made several notable strides toward the urgent need for coral reef protection. Its work is based on the disturbing fact that more than 19 percent of the world’s coral reefs have already been destroyed beyond redemption while another 35 percent are either at immediate risk of destruction due to human pressure.
Founded by Stephen Colwell in 1994 in Berkeley, California, CORAL’s initial goal was to engage the local diving community in effective and efficient coral reef conservation. Today, its mission has evolved - to unite communities in saving coral reefs – so that its scope of work has radically broadened. It has, in the process, also made a greater impact on the communities where its dedicated men and women are present.
CORAL has made and continues to make several strides in its goal of increasing its impact in coral conservation. In 1995, it launched its first website in its effort to expand its reach and influence especially in terms of news and communication regarding coral reef conservation, among other matters. Early on, it has established partnerships with other stakeholders including the Palau Conservation in supporting the protection of Rock Island Marine Park.
The environmental organization also started a membership program shortly after its creation; the membership program was designed to increase its charitable income as well as increase awareness among the general public. Individual donors, corporate and government grants, and foundations are among its donors with the funds used for establishing grassroots conservation partnerships with government agencies, local community members, marine recreation providers, among others.
CORAL’s work has been featured in several documentaries and articles, such as the 30-minute PBS documentary, The Visionaries. It is also a founding member of the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN), which implements the worldwide Coral Reef Initiative Framework for Action.
Founded by Stephen Colwell in 1994 in Berkeley, California, CORAL’s initial goal was to engage the local diving community in effective and efficient coral reef conservation. Today, its mission has evolved - to unite communities in saving coral reefs – so that its scope of work has radically broadened. It has, in the process, also made a greater impact on the communities where its dedicated men and women are present.
CORAL has made and continues to make several strides in its goal of increasing its impact in coral conservation. In 1995, it launched its first website in its effort to expand its reach and influence especially in terms of news and communication regarding coral reef conservation, among other matters. Early on, it has established partnerships with other stakeholders including the Palau Conservation in supporting the protection of Rock Island Marine Park.
The environmental organization also started a membership program shortly after its creation; the membership program was designed to increase its charitable income as well as increase awareness among the general public. Individual donors, corporate and government grants, and foundations are among its donors with the funds used for establishing grassroots conservation partnerships with government agencies, local community members, marine recreation providers, among others.
CORAL’s work has been featured in several documentaries and articles, such as the 30-minute PBS documentary, The Visionaries. It is also a founding member of the International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN), which implements the worldwide Coral Reef Initiative Framework for Action.
