The G20 CORDAP and the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF) are proud to announce the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the two entities. The formal agreement was signed by HRH Princess Hala bint Khaled bin Sultan, President of KSLOF, and Professor Carlos Duarte, the CEO of CORDAP Foundation, at the Champions for Coral Innovation Accelerator Gala held at the Science Museum in London. 

All across the globe, corals and coral reefs are experiencing a major decline. Since 1950, over two-thirds of the world’s reefs have already been lost due to human activity, and the remaining 70-90% of global coral reefs may disappear in the next 10-15 years. To revert these numbers and help rewrite the future for corals, G20 CORDAP held the “Champions for Coral Innovation Accelerator Gala” at the Science Museum in London to establish and celebrate global partnerships that will help secure a safe future for corals worldwide. 

After a warm welcome by CORDAP Foundation CEO Carlos Duarte, HRH Prince Sultan bin Fahad Al-Saud addressed the public on the beauty of coral reefs, particularly those from the Red Sea, which was followed by Professor Mark Gillan from King Abdullah University of Science and Technology to talk about the KAUST Coral Restoration Initiative, the world's largest coral restoration project aiming to restore reefs worldwide. 

One of the highlights of the event was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between G20 CORDAP and the Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation (KSLOF). This agreement marks the beginning of a strategic partnership between the two organizations to upskill the next generation of coral restoration professionals. The collaboration focuses on building capacity and enhancing educational initiatives for coral restoration. By sharing best practices and training practitioners, the partnership aims to improve the effectiveness of coral reef restoration efforts around the world.   

The initial areas of cooperation include:  

• Education: Building on KSLOF’s expertise in coral reef education, and CORDAP’s efforts to advance coral restoration science and technology, this partnership will use the latest science to develop educational programs related to coral reef restoration.

• Capacity Building: The two organizations will collaborate to design and implement comprehensive learning programs that will provide practitioners with the skills, knowledge and tools for effective coral conservation and restoration. 

• Knowledge Sharing: KSLOF and CORDAP will work together to share best practices in coral restoration and disseminate knowledge about corals, raising awareness, improving public understanding and promoting active engagement in coral conservation. This knowledge exchange aims to improve the efficiency and success of restoration projects worldwide. 

This MoU sets the stage for impactful collaboration, leveraging the strengths of both organizations to address the critical challenges facing coral reefs today. 

During her speech at the event, HRH Princess Hala emphasized the importance of this collaboration, saying, "By working together across borders and boundaries, we can build the capacity needed in the places where coral reefs are most vital to the communities they support. The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation is immensely proud to be working with CORDAP on this endeavor and looks forward to the remarkable achievements we can accomplish together in the years to come." 

Professor Carlos Duarte, CEO of CORDAP Foundation, added, "We are excited to partner with KSLOF, an organization renowned for its contributions to ocean research and conservation. By combining our efforts, we will enhance the effectiveness of coral reef restoration and ensure the long-term sustainability of these critical ecosystems." 

The final inspiring call to action was delivered by HRH Princess Reema bint Bandar Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to the USA, founder of WAVE and CORDAP Lead Ambassador. 

"The gala was a resounding success, not only in defining the scientific and technological pathways needed to restore coral reefs, but also in galvanizing support from passionate individuals and communities committed to making a difference. At CORDAP Foundation, we are poised to accelerate our efforts and bring these solutions to scale," said Eng. Hani Ashqar, Managing Director, CORDAP Foundation at G20 CORDAP.  

The event at the Science Museum in London highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges faced by coral reefs worldwide. The ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, scientists and environmental advocates, all committed to advancing coral conservation.