Australia has signed a world-first global commitment at UNEA-7 to protect climate-resilient coral reefs. Governments joining the pledge agree to use the best science, reduce local threats, integrate reefs into climate plans, and mobilise new finance for conservation.

Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean but support a quarter of all marine life and nearly a billion people globally. With over 70% of reefs threatened by climate change and widespread coral bleaching, protecting climate-resilient reefs is critical.

Australia is also leading efforts on the Great Barrier Reef through the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP), developing heat-tolerant corals, fast-tracking coral recovery, and using shading and cooling to reduce stress — solutions that could benefit reefs worldwide.

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