Coral reefs protect coastal communities against hurricanes and tropical storms. But storms can also harm reefs by breaking coral colonies or smothering them in sand. Swift coral restoration and repair can reduce the damage.

With support from the Swiss Re Foundation, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and partners scaled up training brigades of local volunteers in Belize at the peak of the devastating Hurricane Lisa. This includes setting up administrative and support structures and a post-storm response protocol, as well as brigades and financing.

Perhaps the most important insight from this project is the need to help businesses and private citizens recognise the connection between threatened nature and their own interests. TNC’s approach is to promote investment, engage the community and have a solution ready before seeking funding to mitigate risk.