The G20 Coral Research and Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) has once again opened funding opportunities to support coral research worldwide. With a total of USD1.5 million allocated to the call, CORDAP aims to support researchers working on finding local, affordable coral conservation and restoration solutions in developing countries. Applicants must be based in low and middle-income countries and will be awarded up to USD 100,000 for up to two years. The deadline for submission is March 10, 2026, and funded projects are expected to commence in late 2026.
With over USD 38 million already committed in coral research and restoration projects around the world, CORDAP supports the work of more than 2000 researchers.
An urgent call
The past three years have marked the most severe global coral bleaching crisis on record. According to international assessments, nearly 90% of the world’s coral reefs have been exposed to bleaching-level heat stress conducive to unprecedented mortality, driven by persistent marine heatwaves and record-breaking ocean temperatures. The implications for coral survival, reef-dependent economies, coastal communities and ocean health have never been more profound.
About the Coral Local Innovation Program (CLIP) 2026
CORDAP, a G20 initiative, is the only international organization fully dedicated to funding research and development focused on tropical and cold-water coral conservation and restoration. The Coral Local Innovation Program aims to:
- Encourage local technology development and innovative approaches to coral conservation and restoration in developing countries.
- Enhance the capacity of local scientists, researchers, and organizations to conduct coral and reef research and development activities in developing countries.
- Address critical knowledge gaps in local coral conservation and restoration.
Funding received from CORDAP through CLIP may be used for coral research, development, and educational activities, including the purchase of equipment, materials and supplies, consulting services, and project staff salaries.
When asked how the inaugural CLIP awards from 2025 contribute towards increasing local knowledge and opportunities, two awardees shared:
“Becoming a CORDAP awardee is both an honor and a milestone for coral research in India. It brings global recognition to the work by Indian scientists and creates new opportunities for international collaboration. For our team, it validates decades of research on marine microbiomes and inspires us to train and mentor the next generation of reef scientists.”
Prof. Joseph Selvin (Pondicherry University, India)
Robin Philippo, who leads the Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRACC) in Malaysia, added:
“I am at loss for words what this [award] will mean for the local marginalised community of Kulapuan island. This is going to change the history for the island forever with such a significant impulse of funding that can be distributed.”
Carlos Duarte, Executive Director of CORDAP emphasized the critical nature of the funding program:
“Solving the coral crisis requires a truly global effort—one that empowers scientists working where reefs are under the greatest pressure. By supporting researchers and institutions in low- and middle-income countries, we help reduce the existing technical gap between the Global North and Global South and we will be able to unlock locally led solutions that are essential for the future of coral reefs worldwide.”
Competitive proposals will produce disruptive technologies or approaches for saving or restoring coral reefs, and help grow the capacity to conduct groundbreaking coral research in organizations and communities, in particular those located in developing nations.
The deadline for Concept Note submissions is March 10, 2026, at 18:00 UTC. To assist applicants, we will host a Q&A webinar on February 12, 2026 at 12:00 UTC.
For more information on the Coral Local Innovation Program, to register on the webinar, and to learn how to submit a proposal visit www.cordap.org/clip-award/
You can also learn more about the first cohort of CLIP projects here.
_____________
Notes to Editors
About CORDAP
The G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) was launched in 2020 by the G20 to fast-track research and development (R&D) solutions to save the world’s corals. CORDAP brings together the best minds worldwide, in a transdisciplinary approach, to accelerate international research and development to supply the technologies and innovations required to secure a future for corals and reefs. CORDAP is supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA) and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) playing key roles in enabling and advancing the platform’s mission.
Contact
Carla Lourenço, Communications and PR Lead
Email: carla.lourenco@kaust.edu.sa
Website: www.cordap.org
Instagram: @CORDAP_
Linked In: G20 CORDAP