Meetings Other Relevant Events
Science, Strategies, and Solutions for Responding to Coral Bleaching Events
Coral reefs are among the most vibrant and vital ecosystems on Earth, and while they are experiencing increasing pressure from longer and more intense marine heatwaves, they also continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience and recovery potential when given clean water, healthy fisheries, and protection.
To mark Coral Bleaching Awareness Month, the Coral Reef Alliance, International Coral Reef Initiative, and the Reef Resilience Network are hosting a special #ForCoral webinar where scientists and practitioners from around the world will present NOAA’s latest outlook on the Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event and discuss its implications for reef ecosystems. Speakers will share innovative strategies to enhance coral reef resilience in the face of climate change. They will explore region-wide coordination of monitoring efforts to guide conservation priorities and share unique approaches for identifying thermally tolerant coral colonies for climate-smart restoration and conservation. The webinar will last for 75 minutes and the presentations will be followed by an open question-and-answer session. The webinar will be recorded.
It is not too late to act. There is still hope, and together—through science, collaboration, and collective commitment—we can chart a path toward a more resilient future for coral reefs and the communities that depend on them.
English
Should you have any questions or need more information, do not hesitate to contact the ICRI Secretariat
Wednesday 12 November 2025
Agenda
Welcome
Annick Cross, The Nature Conservancy
Introduction Coral Bleaching Awareness, Global Resources
Margaux Monfared, International Coral Reef Initiative
Coral bleaching monitoring and outreach efforts in the Mesoamerican Region
Israel Muñiz-Castillo, Healthy Reefs for Healthy People
Drone monitoring in the Virgin Islands
Matthew Davies, The Nature Conservancy
Guiding Hope: SHAMS’ Real-Time Coral Bleaching Monitoring Reveals Red Sea Resilience
Mohammed Ismail Elsayed , General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in The Red Sea (SHAMS)
Question & Answer
Closing
Margaux Monfared
International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) Secretariat
Margaux Monfared works on Global Engagement and Ocean Policy for Blue Pangolin Consulting and serves as the International Policy and Advocacy Director for the International Coral Reef Initiative. An experienced marine biologist and policy specialist, her career spans hands-on coral reef restoration to global advocacy for reef protection. She holds an MSc in Applied Aquatic Biology and has led research and education programmes in the Maldives, Cambodia, and Honduras before transitioning to international policy roles. With several years of field experience, Margaux has focused on enhancing coral reef resilience to climate change through collaborative research, community outreach, and cross-disciplinary teamwork – yielding valuable insights into effective, science-based conservation practices. She is also a member of Leading Women for the Ocean, a global network that empowers women’s voices in ocean conservation, and the CBD Women’s Caucus. Through these and other platforms, she actively contributes to advancing more inclusive and effective ocean governance.
Mohammed Ismail Elsayed
General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in The Red Sea (SHAMS)
Dr Mohammed Ismail Elsayed is a seasoned marine scientist and the Executive Director of Coral Reef conservation at SHAMS. He was a regional coordinator at PERSGA The regional organization for the conservation of Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. With a rich background in coral reef ecology and conservation, Mohammed has dedicated his career to understanding and protecting these vital ecosystems. He has a track record of leading regional and international initiatives focused on coral reef conservation. Mohammed has contributed significantly to advancing our understanding of coral reef ecosystems and developing effective conservation strategies. His leadership and commitment to sustainable marine management have made a lasting impact on both national and regional efforts to safeguard these invaluable resources.
Coming soon