The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) will have a visible, influential presence at the upcoming 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), which will take place from 9 to 20 November 2026 in Antalya, Türkiye, by participating in complementary events across the Climate Registry Pavilion, Australian Pavilion, Ocean Pavilion, French Pavilion and the Moana Pavilion. Together, these engagements position GCRMN as a leading scientific voice on coral reef status, climate resilience, ecosystem protection, and integrating ocean science into climate policy.
COP31 represents one of the most significant international engagements for GCRMN since the release of the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2025. Through five events, GCRMN will provide the scientific evidence base underpinning discussions on climate adaptation, biodiversity conservation, reef resilience, Pacific priorities and policy implementation. The network’s role is expected to extend beyond reporting reef status to actively informing international commitments, investment priorities and practical actions needed to secure a future for coral reefs and the communities that depend upon them.
GCRMN Role at COP31
- Presenting the latest global evidence on the status and future of coral reefs, including findings from the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2025.
- Demonstrating how coral reef monitoring and climate science can inform national climate, biodiversity and adaptation policies.
- Supporting implementation of the Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs Commitment and highlighting the need for targeted conservation, financing and international cooperation.
- Contributing to discussions on Pacific resilience, long-term ocean observations, and the role of marine science in climate adaptation.
Events Summary
Date: Monday 9 November 2026
Time: 10:00-10:50
Venue: Moana Pavilion
Purpose: This event aims to elevate Pacific coral reef priorities within the global climate agenda and strengthen support for implementation of the Pacific Coral Reef Action Plan 2021-2030. Discussions will focus on the importance of reefs for food security, livelihoods, cultural identity and climate resilience, while highlighting the escalating impacts of climate change on Pacific reef ecosystems.
GCRMN Contribution: Dr Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero, Global Coordinator of GCRMN, will present findings from the Pacific chapter of the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2025, providing the latest evidence on reef condition, trends, risks, and management priorities across the region.
Date: Tuesday 10 November 2026
Time: 10:00-10:50
Venue: Ocean Pavilion
Purpose: This panel will explore the findings and implications of the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2025, bringing together science, policy and community voices to discuss how evidence can be translated into practical management and conservation action. The session will also examine how international climate action ultimately determines the future trajectory of coral reefs.
GCRMN Contribution: Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero will provide an overview of global reef condition, advances in monitoring technologies, and the value of coordinated global assessments for informing decision-making.
- Global Action on Coral: Reefs With a Future
Date: Saturday 14 November 2026
Time: 15:00-16:00
Location: The Climate Registry Pavilion, Antalya
Event focus: This event explores how governments can identify and prioritise coral reefs most likely to survive climate change and support future reef recovery. Discussions will focus on implementation of the Climate-Resilient Coral Reefs Commitment, financing needs, and actions required to move from commitments to conservation outcomes.
GCRMN contribution: Dr Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero, Global Coordinator of GCRMN, will set the scene based on the Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025 report to discuss how thermal stress modelling and global reef science can help governments decide which reefs to prioritise for protection and investment.
Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026
Time: 11:30-13:00
Location: French Pavilion (Blue Zone)
Event focus: Hosted by the Australian Institute of Marine Science with French and international partners, this session examines how coral reefs and blue carbon ecosystems can contribute to climate resilience, biodiversity conservation and coastal livelihoods. Discussions will emphasise policy integration through NDCs, NAPs and biodiversity strategies.
GCRMN contribution: Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero will present the latest findings from the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2025 report, highlighting:
- Global reef condition and trends.
- Impacts of marine heatwaves and coral bleaching.
- The importance of reefs for nearly one billion people.
- Opportunities to strengthen climate and biodiversity policy responses.
Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026
Time: 14:00-14:45
Location: Australian Pavilion (Blue Zone)
Event focus: Convened by CSIRO, this panel explores the links between climate, oceans and communities across the Pacific. The event highlights sustained marine observations, Pacific knowledge systems, scientific partnerships and resilience-building across the region.
GCRMN contribution: Dr Manuel Gonzalez Rivero will participate as a panel member, contributing expertise on:
- The value of long-term marine monitoring datasets.
- What changes in Pacific marine ecosystems reveal about climate change.
- Knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to support adaptation and resilience planning.
Read the full report: https://gcrmn.net/2025-report/
