This spring, Coral Restoration Foundation™ (CRF) welcomed a dedicated team of coral research and community leaders from American Samoa to our headquarters in the Florida Keys. Our guests were members of the American Samoa Coral Reef Advisory Group (AS CRAG) and were the second cohort of a multi-year exchange program between AS CRAG and CRF support through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Our visiting partners help us to continue our CRF Global Learning Exchange, an immersive, hands-on training program designed to advance reef restoration efforts across the globe.
The coral reef crisis is a global challenge, but effective solutions must be locally adapted. Through our CRF Global Learning Exchanges, we empower reef stewards with the tools, knowledge, and scalable techniques needed to protect and rebuild resilient reefs in their home ecosystems. This bespoke training included coral nursery structures, propagation techniques, genetic management, photomosaic monitoring, data collection, and stakeholder engagement.
Throughout the week-long exchange, the American Samoa team participated in expert-led presentations, ‘edu-tainment’ workshops, and multiple field sessions for practical implementation. They explored our pioneering methods firsthand by practicing underwater coral propagation, engaging with our education team on outreach strategies, and photomosaic technology to support long-term reef monitoring.
From the Pacific Islands to the Florida Keys, CRF™ is proud to stand beside passionate leaders from American Samoa, working together to scale impact and restore coral reefs for future generations.
Written by: Chelsea Co, Digital Marketing Coordinator for CRF
