Our Why
The CRC Policy Working Group works to identify, clarify, and address the policy and regulatory barriers limiting the scale, efficiency, and impact of coral restoration worldwide. We support practitioners and stakeholders by translating complex regulatory frameworks into actionable guidance, while advancing policy pathways that enable responsible restoration. Our work spans two focus areas: strengthening national permitting and regulatory frameworks in partnership with policymakers, and addressing how international agreements like the Nagoya Protocol and CITES affect restoration activities. Through targeted country engagement, knowledge-sharing, and strategic roadmapping, we aim to build a lasting foundation for effective coral restoration policy at both the national and international level.

Our Resources
The Policy Working Group is excited to have been part of an incredible all-female working group to produce a Policy Guidance Document.
The impetus for the start of the Policy Working Group, this new guidance supports governments in coral reef countries to strengthen regulatory frameworks for restoration.
Cover image of the newly released "Strengthening Coral Reef Restoration Regulatory Frameworks: Guidance for reviewing national regulatory frameworks".

Rowana Walton
Co-Chair

Dr. Mariana Rocha de Souza
Co-Chair
University of Hawai'i Sea Grant College Program
Hawai'i Institute of Marine Biology
Meet the Policy Leadership Team
The Policy Working Group is the CRC's newest working group and is excited to get started! Reach out if you'd like to get involved.


