Saving the World's Coral Reefs

In September 2016, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) received a grant from the U.S. Department of State to expand our work in Fiji to Cakaudrove, Ra and Lau provinces. Together with our partners, we are working with these communities to build their capacity and effectively manage their resources through training workshops such as fisheries enforcement and financial administration.

These new funds allow us to expand our team and we are thrilled to introduce our new Program Coordinator, John Vonokula. Born and raised in Fiji, John is a certified diver who is passionate about engaging, learning from and working with communities to develop effective approaches to coral conservation.

“We are thrilled that John is joining the CORAL family,” says Dr. Michael Webster, Executive Director at CORAL. “John has 17 years years of experience working with Fiji’s fisheries department, and his knowledge, passion and energy will help ensure the success of CORAL’s expansion in Fiji.”

John has trained community members in best practices for livelihood activities and developed community-based and gazetted marine protected areas (MPAs). Recently, he was instrumental in developing a pilot approach to community-based coastal and marine spatial planning in Waivunia.

For more information about our current work in Fiji, please visit coral.org/fiji.