The Forever Reef Project is the world’s first living coral biobank, established to safeguard the extraordinary biodiversity of corals from the Great Barrier Reef. Led by Great Barrier Reef Legacy, the project is creating a unique “insurance policy” for the Reef by collecting, growing, and caring for a wide diversity of hard coral species in ...
Great Barrier Reef Legacy
Forever Reef Project
GOAL
$250,000
Australia > QLD > Regional
Field of Interest
- Environment conservation and climate change
- First Nations communities
Target Population
- General population
- Flora / fauna
Great Barrier Reef Legacy
Great Barrier Reef Legacy is a grassroots, not-for-profit organisation based in Port Douglas, Queensland, dedicated to safeguarding the biodiversity and future of the Great Barrier Reef. Founded by a passionate team of marine advocates, scientists, and community leaders, GBR Legacy works to protect coral reef ecosystems through conservation, research, education, and collaborative action.
Our flagship initiative, the Forever Reef Project, is the world’s first living coral biobank created to preserve the extraordinary diversity of Great Barrier Reef corals for future generations. The project is building a unique “Noah’s Ark” for coral species — a carefully curated living collection that supports reef restoration, scientific research, and long-term resilience planning in the face of climate change.
Through our new Port Douglas facility, GBR Legacy also engages the public through immersive education experiences, guided tours, and community partnerships, inspiring people to connect with reef conservation in meaningful ways.
With strong collaborations across science, tourism, Traditional Owner groups, and industry, Great Barrier Reef Legacy is committed to ensuring that the Reef’s living legacy is not only protected, but carried forward — for the ocean, for nature, and for generations to come.
Project Summary
The Forever Reef Project is the world’s first living coral biobank, established to safeguard the extraordinary biodiversity of corals from the Great Barrier Reef. Led by Great Barrier Reef Legacy, the project is creating a unique “insurance policy” for the Reef by collecting, growing, and caring for a wide diversity of hard coral species in a protected, land-based facility.
As climate change and marine heatwaves increasingly threaten coral ecosystems, the Forever Reef Project provides a vital resource for reef restoration, scientific research, and long-term conservation planning. By maintaining living coral colonies representing the Reef’s natural genetic and species diversity, the project supports future interventions that may help preserve coral reefs for generations to come.
A core pillar of the project is the development of First Nations Coral Hubs, created in partnership with Traditional Owners to support Indigenous-led engagement, knowledge sharing, training opportunities, and culturally grounded stewardship of Sea Country.
Based in Port Douglas, the Forever Reef Project also connects the public directly with coral conservation through education programs, guided tours, and community partnerships — inspiring hope and action for one of the world’s most significant natural ecosystems.
While the project’s first priority is safeguarding Great Barrier Reef corals, Forever Reef is designed as a scalable model, with the long-term vision of expanding this approach to help protect coral biodiversity in other reef ecosystems around the world.
Project Outcomes
The Forever Reef Project is expected to deliver lasting outcomes for coral conservation, reef science, and community resilience in the face of climate change. By establishing the world’s first living coral biobank dedicated to the Great Barrier Reef, the project will safeguard an extraordinary diversity of coral species in a protected, land-based facility.
This living collection will provide a vital resource for reef restoration, scientific research, and long-term conservation planning. As marine heatwaves and bleaching events increasingly threaten coral ecosystems, Forever Reef offers an “insurance policy” — ensuring coral biodiversity and genetic lineages are not lost, and remain available to support future recovery and adaptation efforts.
A key outcome of the project is the development of First Nations Coral Hubs, created in partnership with Traditional Owners to support Indigenous-led stewardship, knowledge sharing, training pathways, and culturally grounded engagement with Sea Country.
Forever Reef will also generate broad public benefit through immersive education experiences, guided tours, and outreach programs that inspire visitors, students, and supporters to take part in reef protection.
Ultimately, the Forever Reef Project aims to become a globally significant model for coral biodiversity preservation — beginning with the Great Barrier Reef, and expanding over time to help safeguard other coral reef ecosystems around the world. By combining science, community, and cultural partnership, Forever Reef seeks to ensure coral reefs endure for generations to come.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $2,000,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Funding gap | $250,000 |
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