The G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) has opened its third funding opportunity for the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) 2024.
This initiative is aimed at finding new solutions to protect coral reefs, especially in the face of climate change.
With $8.5 million set aside for the program, CORDAP encourages researchers to submit proposals for projects that can help safeguard the future of corals.
Each project can receive up to $1.5 million in funding and can last from one to three years.
The deadline for submitting a proposal is October 21, 2024. Successful projects will begin in late 2025.
The Importance of Coral Reefs
Coral reefs have been under threat for a long time. Since the 1950s, half of the world’s coral reefs have disappeared.
If no action is taken, it is estimated that more than 60% of the remaining reefs will vanish by 2050.
Corals and reefs are important not only for the species they support but also for about 1 billion people who depend on them for their livelihood and coastal protection.
Important Dates and Details for CAP 2024
The table below summarizes the key dates and details for the Coral Accelerator Program 2024:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Funding Amount | USD $8.5 million |
| Maximum Funding Per Project | USD $1.5 million |
| Project Duration | 1 to 3 years |
| Submission Deadline | October 21, 2024 |
| Project Start Date | Late 2025 |
| Applicant Team Requirements | At least two countries, one must be a low/middle-income country |
| Focus Areas | Coral aquaculture, cold-water corals, enhancing coral survival, and capacity building |
Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) 2024 Overview
CORDAP’s Coral Accelerator Program is designed to fund research projects aimed at coral conservation and restoration. This program focuses on both tropical and cold-water coral research. CAP 2024 follows three main principles:
- Local Community Benefits: The solutions that are developed must be affordable and accessible to the people who need them the most. This ensures that the results of the program directly benefit local communities.
- Global Inclusivity: Each project team must have members from at least two different countries. One of these countries must be a low or middle-income country. This requirement is in place to ensure that the benefits of the program are shared globally, especially with nations that may not have the same resources as richer countries.
- Open Source Solutions: Any intellectual property created through this program will be made publicly available. This means that the results can be used for both commercial and non-commercial coral conservation efforts. By making the research open source, CORDAP hopes to encourage more innovation in coral conservation.
Benefits of the Coral Accelerator Program
- Funding: Up to $1.5 million per project, giving researchers the resources they need to carry out large-scale coral conservation efforts.
- Long-Term Projects: The duration of the projects can last from one to three years, which allows for more comprehensive research.
- Global Collaboration: Each project must involve researchers from at least two countries, promoting international cooperation. This collaboration encourages sharing of knowledge and expertise.
- Open Access to Research: All research funded by this program will be made publicly available. This ensures that the knowledge gained can be shared and used by others to further coral conservation.
- Focus on Developing Countries: By requiring at least one team member to be from a low or middle-income country, the program supports research efforts in areas that may not have the resources to conduct coral conservation research on their own.
- Contributing to Global Goals: The work funded by this program is aligned with global efforts like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals. These efforts aim to protect biodiversity and ensure a sustainable future for both people and nature.
The Coral Accelerator Program 2023
Last year, CORDAP launched the CAP 2023, which was a major success. A total of 120 proposals were submitted from all over the world. After a detailed review, eight projects were selected for funding.
The total investment in these projects was $10 million. The projects span across 18 countries and aim to make significant advancements in coral conservation.
Some examples of the projects funded in 2023 include:
- Cryopreservation in the Coral Triangle: This research aims to preserve coral species in the Coral Triangle through innovative cryopreservation techniques.
- Coral Restoration on Mnemba Island: This project involves local communities in the restoration of coral reefs on Mnemba Island.
- Coral Reef Monitoring App: A mobile app is being developed to help monitor coral reefs in the Caribbean.
- Deep-Sea Expeditions and Coral Restoration in Argentina: Researchers are conducting expeditions to restore deep-sea corals off the coast of Argentina.
Success Stories from CAP 2023
One standout project from CAP 2023 is led by Dr. Rebecca Albright, who is working on creating low-cost interventions to reduce coral mortality in the early stages of life.
Her team is part of a global effort to protect corals from the challenges they face. Dr. Albright highlighted the importance of global collaboration in coral conservation:
“Collaborating with CORDAP and being part of a global group with such a wide range of expertise is so exciting.
The problems that reefs face are global and advancing rapidly. We need to try many solutions at the same time to find out what works.”
How to Apply
Researchers interested in applying for the Coral Accelerator Program 2024 can submit their Concept Notes by the deadline of October 21, 2024.
Full guidelines for the application process are available on the CORDAP website. This funding opportunity is open to researchers and organizations worldwide, especially those that have innovative ideas for coral conservation.
Conclusion
The Coral Accelerator Program 2024 is a significant step forward in the effort to save coral reefs. With funding of up to $1.5 million per project, researchers from across the globe have a unique opportunity to make a real impact on coral conservation.
By focusing on inclusivity, local community benefits, and open access research, CORDAP ensures that the solutions developed will be accessible and beneficial to all.
This program not only provides hope for coral reefs but also for the millions of people who depend on them.