Pacific Coral Reef Institute

Created in 2009, the Pacific Coral Reef Institute (IRCP) has the following main missions:

• to promote in the long term, at the Pacific regional level, the link between fundamental research, conservation policy and training of actors in the field of coral reef management;

• support cross-cutting issues, which take into account the contribution of the human and social sciences for the sustainable management of coral reefs;

• Establish a coral reef monitoring network.

The IRCP relies on the research and service potential of the competent section of the EPHE - PSL both in mainland France and in French Polynesia. As such, the IRCP has very close links with the Centre for Island Research and Environmental Observatory in Moorea (CRIOBE, URS 3278 CNRS-EPHE).

These links and the resulting exchange of skills promote the establishment of training courses and seminars dedicated to the different aspects of coral reef management. The training workshops consist of a theoretical part in the form of seminars and a practical part during which different methods of insitu monitoring and management of coral reefs are presented.

The IRCP is also heavily involved in transmission through artistic communication. The Institute works in partnership with the Polynesian Crafts Center and art galleries to develop events such as the creation of an underwater photo or book competition for the general public. The IRCP raises awareness among the general public about the issue of coral reef preservation.