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Where We Work

CRF Global Learning Exchanges

CRF Learning Exchanges involve connecting with other practitioners to exchange knowledge on coral propagation, monitoring, reporting, outreach, and more. These customized programs happen both at CRF Headquarters in Florida, and in other places around the world.

Overview

  • We facilitate bespoke Learning Exchanges for groups from anywhere in the world.
  • We send our staff to visit restoration groups in their home countries to share expertise and adapt CRF methods to local contexts
  • We also arrange for teams to visit our headquarters in the Florida Keys for hands on training, using our infrastructure as a resource
  • This training can cover everything from nursery installation and management, coral propagation, outplanting, photomosaic monitoring, data management, and more

CRF Learning Exchange Case Study

American Samoa

Thanks to funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supported by Aramco Services Company and NOAA, CRF has established a comprehensive learning exchange program through a collaborative initiative with the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group (CRAG) —a coalition of seven local organizations.

This program is designed to empower local practitioners by sharing technical expertise and best practices in coral restoration, to bridge knowledge gaps, and encourage the development of coral restoration techniques in American Samoa.

A HOLISTIC, HANDS ON, AND PHASED APPROACH TO KNOWLEDGE SHARING

Week-Long Secondment of CRF Staff to American Samoa

In 2024, CRF staff visited American Samoa to assist with location-specific challenges in coral restoration. These visits were also opportunities for CRF to learn from the unique environmental conditions and coral species in American Samoa, enriching their own restoration practices.

Week-Long Hands-On Training in Florida

In 2024, CRF also welcomed practitioners from CRAG to the Keys. We provided an immersive learning environment with hands-on training in techniques that can be adapted to the specific needs of coral restoration efforts in American Samoa, including:

  • Nursery Management: Participants engaged in practical training on nursery setup, maintenance, and coral health monitoring.
  • Coral Propagation Techniques: Training covered methods for propagating diverse coral species, including staghorn (Acropora cervicornis), elkhorn (Acropora palmata), and boulder coral (Orbicella spp.).
  • Data Management and Restoration Planning: Sessions focused on strategies for effectively managing restoration data and developing long-term project plans.

Support for Practitioners from American Samoa to attend Reef Futures 2024

This event is an important platform for sharing knowledge and innovations in coral restoration, further enhancing the learning opportunities for all parties involved.

Facilitating Exchanges with Other Pacific Islands

A significant portion of the funding is aimed at increasing exchange opportunities with coral restoration practitioners in places like the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and other Pacific Islands. These exchanges are vital for sharing experiences, challenges, and solutions across different coral restoration projects.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES & MEETINGS

The CRF Learning Exchange program also involves our staff contributing to international conferences and meetings, fostering connections and gathering firsthand knowledge about the state of coral reefs and the unique challenges facing regional communities.

We have participated in conferences and symposia in places including Indonesia, Maldives, Singapore, Hawaii, Australia, Kenya, and South Africa. For more details on our participation in these international knowledge sharing events, check out our annual reports!