Coral Reefs: Introduction to Challenges and Solutions

This course is an introduction to the science, ecologcal value, threats and conservation strategies of tropical coral feef ecosystems. It has a practical focus and invites you to apply your learning to your own context and to interact and share with your peers from across the planet. Your experience in the course will begin by exploring the diverse and interconnected life underwater within tropical coral reef ecosystems. You will also seek to understand how humans interact with, and in some ways threaten, this ecosystem balance. Your learning journey is wrapped up by building on your earlier CRRI101x knowledge by delving into practical approaches to understanding and conserving coral reef ecosystems to ensure their long-term health. Guest contributions from practitioners world-wide help to ensure a variety of perspectives and expertise are included in this well-rounded introductory course. A special thanks to the guest lecturers including, Prof. Catherine Lovelock (UQ), Ms Mibu Fischer (CSIRO), Prof. Peter Mumby (UQ), Ms Stacy Jupiter (Wildlife Conservation Society), Dr. Caitie Kuempel (Griffith University), Derek Manzello (NOAA Coral Reef Watch), Ms Brianna Bambic (Allen Coral Atlas) and Ms Carol Phua (CRRI). *New - This course now includes an integrated Indonesian language translation, enhancing accessibility for our Indonesian-speaking learners. This course has been funded by the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (CRRI), World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the Global Environment Facility CRR GEF project.

• Identify the parts of coral reef ecosystems outlined in the course and describe how the components function and interact.
• Justify the importance and describe the roles of coral reef ecosystems.
• Describe the local and global threats and stressors that coral reef ecosystems face.
• Understand and examine data collection and the solutions for how we can begin to reverse the loss of coral reef ecosystems.
• Demonstrate the ability to cooperate effectively with others to share information and solutions.

• You are not required to have any experience or knowledge of academic disciplines; however, an interest in science or marine conservation would be useful.