Safeguarding TCI's Corals
Local Action for Corals in the Turks and Caicos Islands
Background
Have you ever watched corals sway—whether in the clear blue sea or glowing softly in an aquarium —and felt an inner peace? There’s something magical about them isn’t there? They are part of a complex ecosystem and have such an important role to play.
Are they at risk from climate change? Yes. Can we protect them? Yes.
Coral reefs are facing a severe crisis, with an estimated 50% already lost and up to 90% at risk by 2050. This collapse is a direct threat to global biodiversity and the livelihoods, culture, and resilience of millions in coastal communities including in the Turks and Caicos. Corals are extremely sensitive to sea-level temperatures and are also battling against novel diseases such as Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease.
The Turks and Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF) is helping safeguard coral reefs against climate change by supporting resilient coral species, restoring damaged reefs and empowering local communities with the tools and knowledge needed to protect their marine environment.
TCRF recently announced that it has entered into a purchase agreement for a 1.45-acre waterfront property on Blue Water Road, Long Bay, establishing the organization’s first permanent headquarters and research centre with dock access and space to house a living coral biobank, wet and dry laboratories, and education facilities.
Support will create transformational change in the Turks and Caicos Islands; building resilience to climate change impacts on corals.
About
Alizée Zimmermann, Executive Director of TCRF, describes this moment as a true generational leap for the Turks and Caicos Islands’ conservation efforts. Alizée explains that establishing a permanent home for TCI’s reef work will unlock year-round scientific research, expand hands-on training opportunities for local residents, and accelerate the pace of reef recovery—driven directly by Turks and Caicos Islanders themselves.
The project is opening the doors to a new era of restoration and resilience in the region and can be a world leader in demonstrating resilience to climate change and finding solutions to protect coral reefs and the marine environment for future generations.
Budget
TCRF are seeking funding approx $200,000 to finalise the purchase of our new home and build the home base into a world class coral reef rescue centre and learning space.
Contributions towards International Targets
Global Biodiversity Framework Targets
The UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) sets global goals to protect biodiversity through its targets, most recently updated as the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in 2022. These targets aim to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 and include goals such as protecting 30% of land and sea areas, restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems, reducing pollution, and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.
1: Plan and Manage all Areas To Reduce Biodiversity Loss, 3: Conserve 30% of Land, Waters and Seas, 8: Minimize the Impacts of Climate Change on Biodiversity and Build Resilience, 10: Enhance Biodiversity and Sustainability in Agriculture, Aquaculture, Fisheries, and Forestry, 11: Restore, Maintain and Enhance Nature’s Contributions to People, 20: Strengthen Capacity-Building, Technology Transfer, and Scientific and Technical Cooperation for Biodiversity
Sustainable Development Goals
Life below water
Partners
About the Turks & Caicos Reef Fund (TCRF)
TCRF is a 501c3 non-profit dedicated to protecting, preserving, and rebuilding the coral reefs of the Turks and Caicos Islands through education, research, advocacy, and inclusive initiatives. TCRF leads the country’s living coral biobank and collaborates with local and international partners to advance science-based reef recovery.
Contact us
UKOTCF registered as a limited company in England and Wales No. 3216892 and a Registered Charity No. 1058483.