This event is designed as a fun and interactive workshop on creatively communicating science and the plight of coral reefs to diverse audiences. Using the smash Broadway hit Les Miserables as our theme and using a combination of song and dance, some magic and a touch of exuberance, we will challenge our own inhibitions and work collaboratively to coordinate and develop a creative performance communicating the challenges of coral reefs worldwide. Who knows, if we can pull it together we may even have the opportunity to perform our final ensemble to the Reef Futures audience!

This interactive collaborative workshop brings together a diverse group of coral reef practitioners, managers, researchers, R&D professionals and funders to enhance and guide new and existing coral R&D programs. Participants can share their experiences, insights, and needs, while CORDAP, and other funders, will share and discuss their R&D strategy, plans and activities. On-the-ground experiences and practical knowledge will feed into the development and refinement of more effective, applicable, and impactful R&D and capacity development initiatives, that address the pressing challenges faced by coral reefs globally. In addition, new potential collaborative and joint opportunities and programs can be explored. Expression Of Interest: In order to ensure a sufficiently diverse group of participants, with a focus on developing nations, we are asking those interested in participating in this workshop to send us an expression of interest through the form link below. We hope we will be able to accommodate all those interested, but if not, we will keep all interested parties informed of the workshop discussions, outcomes and follow on activities: Collaborative Innovation Workshop Expression of Interest Form https://kaustforms.formstack.com/forms/cordap_workshop_reef_futures_2024

The first session of a two part workshop will feature a series of topical lectures from leaders in the field of Large-area imaging (LAI, also known as photogrammetry, or structure-from-motion based imaging). Art Gleason (University of Miami) will provide an introduction, to be followed by a series of speakers detailing how LAI is used in large-scale coral reef monitoring and restoration efforts. Speakers include: Orion McCarthy (SeaTrees); Shay Viehman (NOAA-NCCOS/NCRMP); Thomas Oliver (NOAA-PIFSC); Alex Neufeld (CRF); and, Renata Ferrari (AIMS). The second set of speakers will feature the leading LAI technology developers and innovators including: Spencer Miller (Settide); Will Greene (ReefShape, PIMS/ASU); Gaia Pavoni (TagLab, ISTI-CNR); Vid Petrovic (Viscore, UC San Diego); Brett Kettle (Flying Fish Technologies); Brian Zgliczynski (Center for Environmental Imaging); and Jordan Pierce (CSS-NOAA/NCCOS). Stuart Sandin (UC San Diego) will provide closing remarks, and there will be a chance for brief questions following each speaker.

We encourage attendees to also join our second session, (Thursday, November 12) for a chance to visit exhibits and view demonstrations and meet the speakers in person.

There is an urgent need to summarize the state of the science on factors, which can be harnessed to increase Caribbean coral adaptive capacity and to translate basic research into applied interventions that are scalable and effective. This three-part workshop will bring together research, management, and practitioner communities to identify knowledge gaps and coalesce the restoration community around high priority research and development needs. Day one will focus on understanding where the science is, day two will incorporate management and practitioner input on policy and/or capability/willingness to implement interventions, and day three will bring the management/practitioner recommendations back to researchers with the ultimate goal of generating a roadmap for Caribbean restoration interventions.
Please apply if you are able to commit to the following: (1) Completion of Pre and Post surveys for participants (to maximize effectiveness of our in person discussions as individual sessions are only 3 hours long); (2) In-person participation at Reef Futures (attendance at 1 of the 3 sessions in the series is required); (3) Ability to substantively contribute to follow-up deliverables such as white papers, manuscripts, funding proposals and/or regional working groups.
Please indicate your interest to participate by filling out this form https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScUGGUOKZFwQ26TL5xPzupa35z2gAIGxpL5X-Az6gNFSCnZjA/viewform

The "Tools, Technologies, and Innovation Showcase" invites coral restoration practitioners and technologists to explore cutting-edge and emerging solutions for scaling ecological restoration. Led by the Engineering and Innovation Working Group (EIG) and Field-Based Propagation Working Group, the event features hands-on demonstrations, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the coral restoration community. Participants will engage with a wide range of technologies, from basic tools to advanced innovations, emphasizing practical applications and commercialization opportunities. Held during a fun happy hour setting, attendees can walk around, network, and collaborate in a relaxed environment.

MesoReefDAO's workshop on capital allocation introduces researchers, NGOs, and enterprises to the use of DeSci and Web3 tools for funding coral reef restoration initiatives. Participants will learn the basics of crypto, Web3, and DAOs, followed by practical applications using platforms like Gitcoin and Giveth. By the end of the workshop, attendees will be equipped with a basic knowledge of the crypto ecosystem as it relates to public goods and services, enabling them to launch successful crowdfunding campaigns for socio-ecological projects.