Reef Futures 2024

Earlier in December, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Reef Restoration made a splash at the annual Reef Futures conference in Quintana Roo, Mexico. Reef Futures is the premier venue for knowledge exchange and networking among organizations working to restore coral reefs around the world.

Our team was well represented by three presentations. ʻĀkoʻakoʻa founder Greg Asner chaired a packed conference session on “Cultural Heritage and Restoration”, which delivered five presentations from around the world. Greg closed this session with his presentation on the impetus, development, and activities of the ʻĀkoʻakoʻa program for West Hawaiʻi. In a parallel session on “Restoration Program Implementation Strategies”, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa Research Scientist Grace Klinges spoke about resilience stress testing as part of our program to ensure that corals persist in West Hawaiʻi waters. In a third session on “Public Awareness, Art, and Storytelling in Coral Restoration”, ʻĀkoʻakoʻa member Zack Craig of the Division of Aquatic Resources delivered a talk highlighting joint efforts to transplant corals and stabilize reefs of West Hawaiʻi.

All in all, the trio of presentations were well received, garnering many interested follow-up discussions and requests for collaboration. It was an honor to showcase the efforts of our program and our team members work on an international level. Mahalo to the Coral Restoration Consortium for hosting such a successful week of collaboration, inspiration, and innovation.