Trafigura Foundation joins global pledge to protect coral reefs

At the 2025 UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3), held June 9–13, 2025 in Nice, France, a new global commitment was launched to protect the coral reefs most likely to survive climate change. Our Foundation is proud to be among the funding partners supporting this bold and timely initiative.

Eleven countries — The Bahamas, Belize, France, Indonesia, Madagascar, Palau, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tanzania, and Vanuatu — have signed the first political pledge focused specifically on climate-resilient coral reefs. This milestone supports global biodiversity and climate goals, including the “30×30” target to protect 30% of the ocean by 2030.

Why Climate-Resilient Reefs Matter

Coral reefs support over 25% of marine life and sustain more than a billion people through food, income, and coastal protection. Yet they’re rapidly declining due to ocean warming, pollution, and destructive practices. Science shows that some reefs are naturally more resilient—if we protect them now, they can anchor broader reef recovery and long-term ocean health.

A Science-Based, Community-Led Commitment

Led by our partner Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), The Nature Conservancy, WWF, and the Government of Papua New Guinea, this voluntary pledge focuses on reefs with the greatest chance of survival. Priorities include:

Embedding reef protection in national biodiversity and climate plans
Reducing local threats like overfishing and pollution
Launching national reef monitoring and action plans
Centering community leadership, equity, and Indigenous knowledge

The effort is guided by the upcoming “50 Reefs+” global map, developed by WCS. This tool uses field data and climate modelling to direct smarter conservation investments.

“This is more than a commitment—it’s a lifeline for coral reefs and the communities that depend on them”, said Dr. Emily Darling, WCS Director of Coral Reef Conservation.

Our Role

We proudly support this initiative. It reflects our belief in science-driven, community-led solutions to tackle the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss.

As President Surangel S. Whipps Jr. of the Republic of Palau put it: “Safeguarding coral reefs is essential not only for biodiversity but for the survival and well-being of our people.”

What’s Next?

The pledge will be listed on the United Nations Voluntary Commitments Platform and remains open for more countries to join. As global climate and biodiversity summits approach, this initiative sets a powerful precedent for urgent, inclusive, and strategic ocean action.

Learn more: wcs.org/coralcommitment