Global Fund For Coral Reefs (GFCR)
The Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) is the first and largest blended finance vehicle dedicated to supporting coral reef conservation and the resilience of coastal communities. Established in 2020, GFCR was launched by a coalition of partners, including the United Nations (UNDP, UNEP, UNCDF), the Green Climate Fund (GCF), the Paul G. Allen Family Foundation, and other public and private stakeholders.
Since January 2025, Catalytic supports reef-positive businesses and financial vehicle by providing flexible technical assistance (TA) and capital acceleration (CA) to enhance the positive impact on coral ecosystems. As well as, contribute to a transformational global shift in sustainable ocean finance.100
GFCR mobilizes public, philanthropic, and private capital to finance sustainable businesses and projects that protect and restore coral reefs while supporting local livelihoods. The Fund employs a blended finance model, combining grants, concessional finance, and commercial investments to de-risk and catalyze private sector engagement in marine conservation.
Through its Investment Fund and Grant Facility, GFCR channels resources into key areas such as sustainable aquaculture, reef-positive tourism, blue carbon markets, and resilient coastal infrastructure, ensuring long-term ecological and economic benefits for coral reef ecosystems and the communities that depend on them.
