The Coral
Champions
Resilient coral
Resilient communities
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The Coral Champions
Igniting the creation of resilient coral reefs and communities by combining:
• Stanford Science through heat-resistant coral identification training
• Local reef restoration through established organizations
• Blue Economy education through community entrepreneurial investment
Our approach redefines reef restoration by including local economics and education to revolutionize and support communities and their reefs.
THE CORAL CHAMPIONS
UMBRELLA
Coral reef restoration is an intersection of science, policy, and education.
Currently successions of separate organizations focus solely on their stage of the process, be it: coral planting, education on harmful fishing practices, or creating Marine Protected Areas.
Heat-resistant coral workshop, Pohnpei
Heat-resistant coral workshop, Pohnpei
The Coral Champions strategy, rather than rebuilding the world's standard restoration process, is to offer a plug-in framework that can be utilized by any project, at any stage, to increase success. This is achieved through:
• Training and mentoring local coral restoration teams on low-tech, low-cost heat-resistant coral identification methods
• Delivering a Train-The-Trainer model to maximize impact and scalability
• Offering community entrepreneur education to build the coral reef job ecosystem
Dan Griffin and Robin Garthwait of The Coral Champions along with Rully Mardjono of OK OCE meet with the Biosphere Foundation team in Bali.
Dan Griffin and Robin Garthwait of The Coral Champions along with Rully Mardjono of OK OCE meet with the Biosphere Foundation team in Bali.
Impacts
Acropora, Palau
Acropora, Palau
Acropora, Palau
Acropora, Palau
Acropora, Palau
Acropora, Palau
Impacts are swift
Impacts are measurable
Corals can double their size in six months. The right climate-tested corals can become an important piece of the heat-resistant coral supply chain.
At first, the process is linear. Then it shifts.
In six months, the coral doubles. It can be divided, replanted, expanded.
Based on a new protocol:
- 1 Test kit → 30 corals tested per week
- 6 -12 months → selected corals double in size
- 12 months → exponential reef propagation begins
- Each cycle multiplies survival rates
The exponential phase is the moment when restoration becomes regeneration.
Reefs recover
Economies follow
Working on nursery, Palau
Working on nursery, Palau
The local economic picture plays heavily into this overall effort. If reefs are healthy, community economic opportunities flourish.
Because when reefs thrive:
- Fish populations recover
- Food security stabilizes
- Local income grows with new opportunities in fishing, tourism and more
And when local communities are equipped with essential entrepreneurial business skills, they are prepared to create their own path.
Dive boats, Nusa Pendia, Bali
Dive boats, Nusa Pendia, Bali
To scale eco-economic benefits, The Coral Champions offers entrepreneurial education at the community level for the coral reef economy.
We train coral restoration teams and empower them to train others.
- We train one team.
- That team trains others in the community.
- Effects compound across the region.
Benefits begin to scale throughout the environment and economies.
The Coral Reef Job Ecosystem
The Coral Reef Job Ecosystem
The Coral Champions and OK OCE present to the leadership of Les Village, Bali
The Coral Champions and OK OCE present to the leadership of Les Village, Bali
Powerful
collaborations
Across the tropics, The Coral Champions and partners deliver scalable heat-resistant coral identification training in conjunction with entrepreneur education.
HEAT-RESISTANT CORAL TRAINING
AND MENTORING
Starting in Bali, CORAL FUTURES ACADEMY utilizes proven science from Stanford University's Palumbi Lab to teach a heat-resistant coral protocol created by noted marine biologist, Dr. Steve Palumbi.
Dr. Palumbi is a member of the National Academy of Sciences. For more information on the coral testing process, see Addendum at end of story.
Dr. Steve Palumbi of Stanford University instructing Palau Community College students
Dr. Steve Palumbi of Stanford University instructing Palau Community College students
The field training workshops and follow-up mentoring are led by Dr. Courtney Klepac. She will teach the missing step in heat-resistant coral identification to established coral restoration organizations.
Dr. Courtney Klepak - Coral Futures Academy - Monterey, USA
Dr. Courtney Klepak - Coral Futures Academy - Monterey, USA
Coral on nursery rack, Palau
Coral on nursery rack, Palau
Coral on nursery rack, Palau
Coral on nursery rack, Palau
Coral on nursery rack, Palau
Coral on nursery rack, Palau
LOCAL CORAL RESTORATION
AND TRAIN-THE-TRAINER
In Bali, we have Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with a pivotal group of coral restoration organizations for strategic collaboration:
LINI FOUNDATION, known as the Indonesia Nature Foundation, works directly in partnership with reef-facing villages along Bali's north shore. LINI and local communities have installed over 15,000 coral restoration fish domes.
As an authorized trainer, LINI will teach heat-resistant coral identification at the village level. This connects The Coral Champions directly into active restoration workflows and existing community relationships. MoU in place.
The LINI Foundation's fish domes ready to deploy, Bali
The LINI Foundation's fish domes ready to deploy, Bali
LOCAL CORAL RESTORATION
AND TRAIN-THE-TRAINER
OCEAN GARDENER FOUNDATION has successfully planted over 300,000 coral on reefs off Nusa Penida, Bali's north shore, Raja Ampat, and throughout Indonesia.
Founded by coral expert Vincent Chalias, Ocean Gardener is a highly respected coral restoration organization with an extensive related network throughout Indonesia. Ocean Gardener courses, led by Vincent and his staff, focus on coral identification, restoration and coral nursery deployment.
The Ocean Gardener facility in Nusa Penida will serve as training headquarters for The Coral Champions workshops.
MoU in place.
Ocean Gardener team planting coral nursery, Nusa Penida, Bali
Ocean Gardener team planting coral nursery, Nusa Penida, Bali
ENTREPRENEUR EDUCATION
AND MENTORING
The Coral Champions is connecting coral restoration with micro-entrepreneurial business opportunities.
OK OCE FOUNDATION of Jakarta will enhance the deployment of Stanford University science with entrepreneurial education.
Founded by Dr. Indra Uno and Dr. Sandiaga Uno, OK OCE was created to teach essential entrepreneurial business competencies at the village level throughout Indonesia. Their current tally: over 1.7 million small businesses launched. OK OCE knows how to scale this training and how small beginnings lead to big impacts.
OK OCE 7-STEP graduating class, Jakarta, Indonesia
OK OCE 7-STEP graduating class, Jakarta, Indonesia
Dr. Sandiaga Uno of OK OCE, Jakarta, Indonesia
Dr. Sandiaga Uno of OK OCE, Jakarta, Indonesia
As a village works to return its reefs to health, newly trained entrepreneurs can build on the fishing, tourism and other emerging opportunities, resulting in direct economic benefits. MoU in place.
Dr. Indra Uno of OK OCE and Dan Griffin of The Coral Champions at Asia-Pacific Business Forum, Bali
Dr. Indra Uno of OK OCE and Dan Griffin of The Coral Champions at Asia-Pacific Business Forum, Bali
The Coral Champions meets 14 of 17
United Nations Sustainability Goals
(SDGs)
Executing
the plan
MILESTONES -Year 1
|
Milestones |
Benchmarks |
|---|---|
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• Workshops |
• Complete (3) 5-day heat-resistant coral testing and identification Workshops with 12 organizations |
|
• Equipment |
• Source, store and deliver 12 Test kits to 12 organizations |
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• Mentor |
• For 12 organizations, make a minimum of 1 on-site visit to evaluate nursery locations and local reef conditions |
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• Entrepreneurship |
• OK OCE activates 2 specialized social entrepreneurship communities within Bali. Delivers its 7-STEP curriculum to 50 participants, equipping them with essential business competencies |
|
• Conferences |
• Speak or attend 1-2 international ocean conferences to promote The Coral Champions program |
|
• Website |
• Develop and launch website |
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• Community |
• Develop online presence |
|
• Infrastructure |
• Further develop business relationships and set up systems (legal, insurance, international banking, accounting, bookkeeping) |
Years 2, 3, 4 and beyond
Working with Ocean Gardener to establish The Coral Champions "portable base of operations" in Bali, future years continue work throughout Indonesia and expand across the Pacific and tropics. This includes island nations such as the Solomon Islands, Tuvalu, Kiribati, Thailand, the Philippines and beyond.
Dan Griffin speaking at Bali Ocean Days, Bali
Dan Griffin speaking at Bali Ocean Days, Bali
Attaching coral fragments, Palau
Attaching coral fragments, Palau
Coral Futures Academy class in action, Micronesia
Coral Futures Academy class in action, Micronesia
Team
Partners
Advisors
Click on photos and logos to read bios
Team - Dan Griffin - Executive Director - SF Bay Area, US Forty-year communications firm based in Silicon Valley; expert in environmental stewardship, business, media, and communications for business, nonprofit, and higher ed organizations. Includes extensive work on the ocean and reefs based on a 25-year collaboration with Stanford’s Palumbi Lab. Clients include: Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Doerr School of Sustainability, Graduate School of Business; USC Marshall School of Business; The Nature Conservancy; Intl. League of Conservation Photographers; Apple Computer; HP; Google, Cisco, Oracle.
Team - Dan Griffin - Executive Director - SF Bay Area, US Forty-year communications firm based in Silicon Valley; expert in environmental stewardship, business, media, and communications for business, nonprofit, and higher ed organizations. Includes extensive work on the ocean and reefs based on a 25-year collaboration with Stanford’s Palumbi Lab. Clients include: Stanford University, Hopkins Marine Station, Doerr School of Sustainability, Graduate School of Business; USC Marshall School of Business; The Nature Conservancy; Intl. League of Conservation Photographers; Apple Computer; HP; Google, Cisco, Oracle.
Team - Robin Garthwait - Project Producer - SF Bay Area, US Co-owner of communications/media firm. Skilled producer on dozens of complex international projects; includes overseeing entire project, team assembly and management, coordination, budgeting and scheduling, resource/materials purchase and management, overseeing daily operations, marketing, and distribution. Experience with outreach, awareness building, and recruiting. Problem-solving with DEI emphasis. Extensive work around the ocean, reefs, human rights, business, and higher ed.
Team - Robin Garthwait - Project Producer - SF Bay Area, US Co-owner of communications/media firm. Skilled producer on dozens of complex international projects; includes overseeing entire project, team assembly and management, coordination, budgeting and scheduling, resource/materials purchase and management, overseeing daily operations, marketing, and distribution. Experience with outreach, awareness building, and recruiting. Problem-solving with DEI emphasis. Extensive work around the ocean, reefs, human rights, business, and higher ed.
Team - Nathaniel Griffin - Project Manager - SF Bay Area, USA focuses on building connections between TCC and international fundraising opportunities through funding development and donor cultivation. As Project Manager of TCC, one of his primary roles is to manage the startup strategy and execution process as well as outreach and communications. Currently a board member of community-oriented Fallen Leaf Lake Foundation in the Sierra Nevada mountains as well as a core team member of the Human Banner–SF initiative. Nathaniel holds a Masters in Project Management from Colorado State University Global Campus, Distinguished scholar.
Team - Nathaniel Griffin - Project Manager - SF Bay Area, USA focuses on building connections between TCC and international fundraising opportunities through funding development and donor cultivation. As Project Manager of TCC, one of his primary roles is to manage the startup strategy and execution process as well as outreach and communications. Currently a board member of community-oriented Fallen Leaf Lake Foundation in the Sierra Nevada mountains as well as a core team member of the Human Banner–SF initiative. Nathaniel holds a Masters in Project Management from Colorado State University Global Campus, Distinguished scholar.
The Coral Champions kicked off in Bali. The partnerships jump-started reef and economic restoration plans, laying the groundwork to scale across Indonesia. As efforts progress, new connections and local partnerships will be established to move the project beyond Indonesia to widespread tropical countries and their reef communities. Why begin efforts in Bali? Bali is located within the Coral Triangle–an area crucial for global marine biodiversity. The Coral Triangle contains: 76% of the world’s coral species 37% of reef fish species making it the most diverse marine ecosystem on the planet.
The Coral Champions kicked off in Bali. The partnerships jump-started reef and economic restoration plans, laying the groundwork to scale across Indonesia. As efforts progress, new connections and local partnerships will be established to move the project beyond Indonesia to widespread tropical countries and their reef communities. Why begin efforts in Bali? Bali is located within the Coral Triangle–an area crucial for global marine biodiversity. The Coral Triangle contains: 76% of the world’s coral species 37% of reef fish species making it the most diverse marine ecosystem on the planet.
Partner - The Coral Futures Academy - Monterey, USA Dr. Courtney Klepac runs the Coral Futures Academy, which is dedicated to delivering Heat-Resistant Coral Identification training. As the primary instructor with deep knowledge of marine ecology and focusing on methods developed by The Palumbi Lab at Stanford, Dr. Klepac offers precise and detailed training, adjusted to participants' needs. Coral Futures Academy is also the primary follow-up mentor of TCC graduates to encourage and support new processes, track progress, and help overcome obstacles.
Partner - The Coral Futures Academy - Monterey, USA Dr. Courtney Klepac runs the Coral Futures Academy, which is dedicated to delivering Heat-Resistant Coral Identification training. As the primary instructor with deep knowledge of marine ecology and focusing on methods developed by The Palumbi Lab at Stanford, Dr. Klepac offers precise and detailed training, adjusted to participants' needs. Coral Futures Academy is also the primary follow-up mentor of TCC graduates to encourage and support new processes, track progress, and help overcome obstacles.
Partner - OK OCE - Jakarta, Indonesia Founded by Dr. Indra Uno and Dr. Sandiaga Uno, The OK OCE Foundation creates entrepreneurs by training and supporting community members across Indonesia to start their own small businesses. It provides practical skills, connections, and a clear path to start and grow a business. OK OCE is TCC’s entrepreneurial development partner.
Partner - OK OCE - Jakarta, Indonesia Founded by Dr. Indra Uno and Dr. Sandiaga Uno, The OK OCE Foundation creates entrepreneurs by training and supporting community members across Indonesia to start their own small businesses. It provides practical skills, connections, and a clear path to start and grow a business. OK OCE is TCC’s entrepreneurial development partner.
Partner - The Lini Foundation - Bali, Indonesia. Known as the Indonesian Nature Foundation, LINI Foundation works to protect coral reefs and marine life in Bali. It trains local people in reef restoration, sustainable fishing, and marine conservation. LINI Foundation is a key partner in spreading Train-the-Trainer programs.
Partner - The Lini Foundation - Bali, Indonesia. Known as the Indonesian Nature Foundation, LINI Foundation works to protect coral reefs and marine life in Bali. It trains local people in reef restoration, sustainable fishing, and marine conservation. LINI Foundation is a key partner in spreading Train-the-Trainer programs.
Partner - Ocean Gardener - Nusa Penida, Indonesia The Ocean Gardener organization restores coral reefs in Bali by focusing on hands-on methods to grow and replant corals in damaged areas. Their work involves education, outreach, and partnerships to protect reefs and support local communities. They act as a liaison between TCC and coral restoration organizations as well as provide local on-the-ground guidance.
Partner - Ocean Gardener - Nusa Penida, Indonesia The Ocean Gardener organization restores coral reefs in Bali by focusing on hands-on methods to grow and replant corals in damaged areas. Their work involves education, outreach, and partnerships to protect reefs and support local communities. They act as a liaison between TCC and coral restoration organizations as well as provide local on-the-ground guidance.
Advisor - Steve Palumbi Ph.D. of Stanford University studies how ocean life responds to climate change, especially how corals handle rising temperatures. His work helps identify which corals are more likely to survive warming seas. He develops simple, field-ready methods so this science can be used directly in reef restoration. Dr. Palumbi is primary science advisor.
Advisor - Stephen Palumbi Ph.D. of Stanford University studies how ocean life responds to climate change, especially how corals handle rising temperatures. His work helps identify which corals are more likely to survive warming seas. He develops simple, field-ready methods so this science can be used directly in reef restoration. Dr. Palumbi is primary science advisor.
Advisor - Indra Uno, Ph.D. - Jakarta, Indonesia Founder OK OCE Indonesia (job creation social movement), Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Chairman Mien R. Uno Foundation (youth entrepreneurship education); initiator Budaya Luhur Foundation (nat'l school curriculum); commissioner PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya Tbk. (private equity company); commissioner ANTV PT Cakrawala Andalas Televisi (terrestrial television channel); commissioner PT Indivara Sejahtera Mandiri (holding company of Jatis Mobile); commissioner PT Informasi Teknologi Indonesia (mobile solution provider); founder PT TPS Consulting Indonesia.
Advisor - Indra Uno, Ph.D. - Jakarta, Indonesia Founder OK OCE Indonesia (job creation social movement), Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Chairman Mien R. Uno Foundation (youth entrepreneurship education); initiator Budaya Luhur Foundation (nat'l school curriculum); commissioner PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya Tbk. (private equity company); commissioner ANTV PT Cakrawala Andalas Televisi (terrestrial television channel); commissioner PT Indivara Sejahtera Mandiri (holding company of Jatis Mobile); commissioner PT Informasi Teknologi Indonesia (mobile solution provider); founder PT TPS Consulting Indonesia.
Advisor - Richard Drobnick, Ph.D. from Marshall School of Business Emeritus, USC focuses on building connections between Asia and the United States through business, policy, and education. He works with leaders and institutions to support international collaboration and economic development. As Director of the USC IBEAR MBA program, one of his primary goals was to share ideas and create partnerships between the US and Asian organizations.
Advisor - Richard Drobnick, Ph.D. from Marshall School of Business Emeritus, USC focuses on building connections between Asia and the United States through business, policy, and education. He works with leaders and institutions to support international collaboration and economic development. As Director of the USC IBEAR MBA program, one of his primary goals was to share ideas and create partnerships between the US and Asian organizations.
Advisor - Janet Cardinell-Lewis is a senior technology executive with 30+ years of experience leading strategic positioning, organizational development, and global operations at companies including Cisco and Silicon Valley startups. She specializes in bridging innovation and real-world impact—connecting organizations, communities, and technology to create scalable, practical change. Most recently focused on AI-driven transformation.
Advisor - Janet Cardinell-Lewis is a senior technology executive with 30+ years of experience leading strategic positioning, organizational development, and global operations at companies including Cisco and Silicon Valley startups. She specializes in bridging innovation and real-world impact—connecting organizations, communities, and technology to create scalable, practical change. Most recently focused on AI-driven transformation.
Advisor - Paul Meyers, Asia Founder - Operating out of Bangkok and Singapore, Paul works with company founders and senior executives build and scale world-class companies around the globe.
Advisor - Paul Meyers, Asia Founder - Operating out of Bangkok and Singapore, Paul works with company founders and senior executives build and scale world-class companies around the globe.
Advisor - Julie Svay, Ph.D. Geophysicist and strategic advisor, with decades of academic and industrial experience in scientific research and the deployment and valorisation of innovation. Founder of Lightrise Childcare, a humanitarian initiative fostering resilience, renewal, and grassroots leadership in rural communities - launched in Cambodia, with a vision to extend its reach to communities in Indonesia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Advisor - Julie Svay, Ph.D. Geophysicist and strategic advisor, with decades of academic and industrial experience in scientific research and the deployment and valorisation of innovation. Founder of Lightrise Childcare, a humanitarian initiative fostering resilience, renewal, and grassroots leadership in rural communities - launched in Cambodia, with a vision to extend its reach to communities in Indonesia and Sub-Saharan Africa.
Micro-training
Micro-business
Macro-impact
Resilient coral
Resilient communities
Help fund The Coral Champions
Ready to talk?
Lets start a conversation.
Please contact us:
Dan Griffin
Email: dang@TheCoralChampions.org
WhatsApp: +1 (650) 400-2792
TheCoralChampions.org
The Coral Champions
A 501c3 project
Fiscally-sponsored by Ecologistics
©The Coral Champions - 2026
Addendum:
The coral science
Acropora, Palau
Acropora, Palau
Identify
Simplify
Identify which corals will survive warming waters - without needing a million dollar DNA-sequencer.
Coral test tanks in operation, Palau
Coral test tanks in operation, Palau
QUESTION
Two corals live side-by-side:
- same species
- same environmental conditions
- same visual appearance
Which one will survive warming oceans and which one will not?
ANSWER
Testing identifies the heat-resistant coral.
How does testing work?
Coral samples are collected for testing. Testing kits are made up of easily sourced equipment: picnic coolers, aquarium pumps and heaters. The systems are specifically designed to be low-tech and low-cost.
The corals are cycled through 5 carefully controlled days of being heated and cooled with temperatures increasing every day. This mimics an ocean heat wave with the flux of the tides and the temperature changes that come during the day and night.
Heat stress tanks, Palau
Heat stress tanks, Palau
At the end of the testing period, the heat-resistant corals are easily identified as they are still alive (dark colors) while others are dead (bleached white).
The coral restoration team can use the heat-resistant coral as breeding stock in their ocean nursery.
Coral fragment heat-resistant scoring
Coral fragment heat-resistant scoring
Heat-testing coral fragments, Pohnpei
Heat-testing coral fragments, Pohnpei
Peered-reviewed papers
• Science Express
Mechanisms of reef coral resistance to future climate change
science.org/cms/asset/685e9e93-dcec-4908-a699-cca23fc90246/pap.pdf
• PNAS
Using naturally occurring climate resistant corals to construct bleaching resistant nurseries
pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1721415116
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