Blue Economy and Coral Reefs Deliver Climate Resilience in Pacific
UNDP Papua New Guinea
Papua New Guinea's extraordinary coral reef ecosystems are being harnessed as a cornerstone of climate resilience through a groundbreaking UNDP programme. The Investing in Coral Reefs and Blue Economy programme is delivering measurable results across coastal communities that depend on healthy marine ecosystems for food security and livelihoods. Papua New Guinea is home to some of the most biodiverse coral reefs on the planet. The country's exclusive economic zone of 3.1 million square kilometers contains approximately 18% of the global tuna stock, making healthy marine ecosystems a fundamental economic and food security asset. The programme works at the community level, supporting local marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, mangrove restoration, and coral reef monitoring. Women's groups have been particularly active, leading mangrove replanting initiatives. UNDP officials note that the Coral Reefs programme offers a replicable model for climate adaptation finance, demonstrating that investing in natural systems can deliver returns far exceeding the costs of conventional grey infrastructure. The programme has attracted co-financing from several international climate funds. As climate change intensifies bleaching events and other threats to coral reef health, the programme's early intervention and community-based management approach is seen as critical to preserving these ecosystems for future generations.
