Call for Applications: Reef Rescue Initiative Program

Deadline: 20-Oct-26

The Reef Rescue Initiative (RRI) Window provides grants of up to US$33,000 for science-based projects that restore, repopulate, and rehabilitate coral reefs in the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region. The initiative prioritizes coral bleaching responses, prevention and monitoring of coral diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD), innovative coral restoration techniques, and sustainable ventures that contribute to reef protection.

About the Reef Rescue Initiative Window

The Reef Rescue Initiative Window supports projects designed to improve the health and resilience of coral reefs across the Mesoamerican Reef region. The initiative focuses on science-based conservation approaches that can help coral reefs recover from environmental stress, disease, bleaching, and other threats. Funding supports targeted restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation activities that contribute to the long-term protection of the MAR ecosystem. The initiative also encourages innovative approaches and emerging opportunities that connect coral conservation with sustainable economic activities. What Does the Reef Rescue Initiative Support? The RRI Window supports projects addressing urgent coral reef conservation and restoration needs.

Priority areas include:

- Coral reef restoration. - Coral repopulation. - Coral reef rehabilitation. - Coral bleaching response. - Prevention of coral diseases. - Monitoring of coral diseases. - Response strategies for coral disease outbreaks. - Research and application of innovative restoration techniques. - Development of approaches that improve reef resilience. - Sustainable ventures incorporating coral restoration. - Emerging market opportunities linked to coral protection. - Science-based conservation interventions. Projects should demonstrate a clear connection between proposed activities and improved outcomes for coral reefs in the MAR region.

Priority: Coral Bleaching

Coral bleaching is one of the major threats facing coral reef ecosystems. The Reef Rescue Initiative gives priority to projects that develop practical strategies for addressing coral bleaching. Applicants may consider approaches related to: - Monitoring bleaching events. - Assessing coral resilience. - Developing restoration responses. - Supporting recovery of affected reefs. - Identifying approaches that reduce vulnerability to bleaching. - Testing innovative techniques for maintaining healthy coral populations. Proposals should explain the specific bleaching-related challenge and how the proposed intervention can contribute to reef recovery or resilience.

Priority: Coral Disease and SCTLD

The program also prioritizes projects addressing coral diseases, including Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD).

Projects may focus on:

- Disease prevention. - Disease monitoring. - Early detection. - Response strategies. - Assessment of disease impacts. - Innovative approaches for protecting vulnerable coral populations. - Restoration and rehabilitation following disease impacts. Applicants should provide a clear scientific justification for the proposed disease-related activities and explain how the project could contribute to improved reef management. Innovative Coral Restoration and Repopulation The initiative encourages the development and application of innovative techniques for coral restoration, repopulation, and rehabilitation.

This may include approaches designed to:

- Restore degraded coral reef habitats. - Increase coral populations. - Improve coral survival. - Support reef recovery. - Strengthen coral resilience. - Develop or test new restoration methods. - Apply proven techniques in new locations or contexts. Projects should explain why the selected restoration approach is appropriate for the proposed site and how success will be measured. Sustainable Ventures and Emerging Opportunities The Reef Rescue Initiative also recognizes opportunities to connect coral conservation with sustainable economic activities. Projects may explore ventures or emerging market opportunities that incorporate: - Coral restoration. - Coral reef protection. - Sustainable conservation activities. - Restoration-linked enterprises. - Innovative financial or business approaches supporting reef conservation. The conservation benefits should remain central to the proposed initiative. Grant Amount and Project Duration

Successful applicants can receive up to:

US$33,000 Projects can have a maximum duration of: 24 months The final funding amount will depend on the needs of the proposed project and the capacity of the implementing institution. Applicants should therefore develop realistic budgets that directly connect requested funding with planned activities and expected outcomes. Geographic Eligibility The Reef Rescue Initiative is specifically focused on the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR).

The eligible MAR region includes:

Proposals must focus on coral reefs within this geographic region. Applicants must clearly identify the proposed project site and explain why activities at that location will contribute to the broader MAR reef system. Are Specific Protected Areas Required? No. The initiative does not restrict applicants to particular protected areas within the MAR region. However, the proposal must clearly justify the selected location and demonstrate how the project will benefit the Mesoamerican Reef system. Applicants should explain the ecological importance of the site and why intervention is needed. Who Is Eligible? The funding information provided for the RRI Window emphasizes eligibility based on the project’s geographic focus, implementing institution, scientific approach, and potential contribution to coral reef conservation. Applicants should ensure that their institution has the technical, scientific, operational, and financial capacity to implement the proposed project. The implementing institution should also be capable of: - Delivering activities within the proposed timeframe. - Managing the grant r