Coral Sea Foundation
Their Mission is to raise awareness of the ecological and social value of the reefs of the Coral Sea, Melanesia and the Great Barrier Reef, and to be proactive in their sustainable management. They are not just about reef conservation – we are helping communities and creating leaders.
The Coral Sea Foundation develops pragmatic reef monitoring solutions and works to empower First Nations custodians with the skills and knowledge they need to sustainably manage their own Sea Country. Their award-winning marine conservation training programs empower Indigenous women in Australia and Melanesia.
2024 Pitch
Funds Raised: $21,855
Pitched for funding to support the next cohort of The Wulgurukaba Sea Women Great Barrier Reef (SWoGBR) Refresher Program which expands on their successful 2023 SWoGBR initiative, offering Indigenous women from Townsville/Palm Island the chance to deepen their sea country knowledge and monitoring skills. The three-week training, held on Magnetic Island and Palm Island, covers essential skills like safe snorkeling, reef survey methods, and advanced first aid.
The Impact
The funding contributed to the Sea Women Great Barrier Reef program, helping 8 Indigenous women from North Queensland and PNG gain marine science and safety certifications while fostering cultural exchange and leadership.
Beneficiary story:
Charmaine, a Djabuganjdji and Gimuy Walubara Yidinji woman, credited the program for her growth. She became a program officer at James Cook University and now mentors other young women, proudly carrying forward her culture and passion for science.
"I wouldn’t be the woman I am now without the Coral Sea Foundation and the opportunity to be a part of the Sea Women Great Barrier Reef Program. I’m excited to be a mentor and role model for the mob, and I’m looking forward to seeing promising young women and encouraging them to be the best they can be.”
Learn more about The Coral Sea Foundation
https://coralseafoundation.net/
Supporting Sustainable Development Goals:
