The event will focus on sharing over three decades of research and monitoring experiences related to coral reefs in Colombia. Key topics will include the current state of local coral reefs, the threats they face, monitoring protocols used, and future perspectives for effective ecosystem management. The panel offers a valuable opportunity to highlight Colombia's commitment to coral reef knowledge and conservation, reflected in its participation in global initiatives like the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI). Experts from research institutes and academia and representatives from local communities will contribute a comprehensive and collaborative perspective to promote adaptive management of coral reefs at national, regional, and global levels.

This event features a panel discussion on the stressors accelerating Caribbean coral reef decline, including bleaching and diseases, and how these are affecting reef functionality, impacting local livelihoods and economies. Experts will provide insights on actions taken in the USA, Mexico, the Bahamas, and Colombia to monitor and mitigate these threats. Attendees will engage in an interactive dialogue, fostering collaboration between researchers, academia, and marine resource managers. The focus will be on proposing comprehensive strategies for conservation and restoration to safeguard biodiversity and sustain ecosystem services vital to local communities.

The panel discussion will focus on sharing experiences, lessons, and insights from marine-coastal ecosystem restoration projects in Colombia, with a primary emphasis on coral reefs. This event aims to bring together key stakeholders involved in the research, care, and restoration of these ecosystems, including NGOs, research institutes, and representatives from local communities, fostering the exchange of scientific, technical, cultural, and ancestral knowledge.

The event will begin with a panel discussion featuring the documentary's producers, coral reef experts, activists, and community leaders who will discuss the challenges and opportunities for conserving coral reef ecosystems. After the panel discussion, there will be the screening of the documentary "Saving Atlantis," which explores the critical state of coral reefs and global efforts for their conservation.

Together, we can turn the tide on the biodiversity crisis by embracing uncertainty as a pathway to innovation and growth. By fostering mindfulness and supporting each other in our efforts, we can cultivate a future where biodiversity thrives. Join us at the workshop to be part of this vital conversation and become an agent of change.

The Fourth Global Coral Bleaching Event was confirmed by NOAA in April 2024 with bleaching still occurring in some regions up to six months after the announcement. This event will provide examples of recent bleaching events while also identifying actions and approaches to monitor and mitigate the effects of bleaching and improve the resilience of coral reef ecosystems as part of GBF implementation.