Crown Princess Victoria visits Gili Meno to support coral reef insurance project

Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden visited Gili Meno on Sunday, September 6, as a UNDP Goodwill Ambassador to highlight efforts in protecting coral reefs from climate change. During her visit, she learned about a pioneering parametric insurance scheme designed to protect vulnerable coral reefs. This initiative, developed by UNDP in collaboration with the Indonesian government, Swiss Re, and the Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, triggers payments when environmental conditions, such as ocean temperatures, reach predetermined levels. These payments are intended to fund rapid reef restoration and support local communities affected by marine ecosystem damage. UNDP states this is the first parametric insurance specifically for coral reefs against rising ocean temperatures. Crown Princess Victoria participated in coral restoration activities, observed local marine conservation efforts, and helped release sea turtle hatchlings. Indonesia contains approximately 16 percent of the world’s coral reefs, with reef-based tourism around Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air generating over IDR 9.5 trillion annually. The project is expected to benefit around 25,000 people, with about 5,000 receiving training in insurance and marine protection. Her visit to Indonesia, from September 4 to 8, focuses on sustainable development, climate resilience, and biodiversity.