OneReef

What OneReef does

OneReef is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (legal name OneReef Worldwide Stewardship, Tax ID #46-4293324) founded in 2010 and headquartered in Palo Alto, California, with a regional office in Koror, Palau. The organization partners directly with indigenous Pacific island communities—currently ten partner communities across Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Marshall Islands—under long-term (20-year) Community Partnership Agreements that enable communities to lead coral reef stewardship on ecosystems they legally own or manage. Its service portfolio includes the OneReef Community Partnership Model (a shared-vision planning framework with financial strategies and conflict management protocols), a Ranger Training and Equipment Program supported by partner-supplied boats, drones, communication systems, and M2 Marine Monitor radar deployed with ProtectedSeas, a Traditional Stewardship Program that connects elders with youth through canoe-house Learning Centers, and physical infrastructure including ranger stations and community learning facilities.

The organization's technical backbone combines Scripps Institution of Oceanography's 3D photomosaic reef imaging technology—trained for use by community teams—with M2 marine radar and supplementary aerial monitoring via the Asner Lab's Global Airborne Observatory. Local teams have independently imaged more than 20 reef sites across Palau and FSM. Scripps analysis of OneReef-supported communities shows a 37% increase in total fish biomass versus 27% at control sites. The organization holds formal MoUs with the Palau Ministry of Environment and Tourism (2015) and Palau Ministry of Justice (2016), embedding its model within Palau's national Protected Area Network and marine sanctuary enforcement.

OneReef is funded primarily through individual donations (including workplace giving via Benevity, GlobalGiving, Bright Funds, and PayPal), three designated funds (Community Partnership Advancement, Science and Technology, and Ocean Stewardship), and grants from sovereign donors (Australian Government DFAT, Global Affairs Canada, EU, AFD, New Zealand MFAT) channeled largely through the regional Kiwa Initiative MiCOAST project. Its largest disclosed individual contribution was a $2 million gift from Russell Fuller (Fuller & Thaler) in 2021. As of December 2025, Dr. Lida Teneva serves as CEO with founder Christopher LaFranchi in the Founder and President role; the organization also fields a Board of Directors, a Science Advisory Board, and country-level program staff in Palau and Micronesia.

Name

OneReef

Legal name

OneReef Worldwide Stewardship

Website

https://onereef.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2010

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

OneReef is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that partners with indigenous Pacific island communities under 20-year agreements to lead coral reef stewardship, providing ranger training, monitoring technology, and traditional-knowledge education across Palau, FSM, and the Marshall Islands.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Marine Conservation Services

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Marine & Freshwater Conservation (BPAGAGAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Coastal & Marine Resources Administration (Oceans, Fisheries, Shorelines) (BPAIAMAI), Oceans, Coastal & Marine Resource Management (BPADALAI), Climate, Environment & Natural Resource Management Aid Programs (BPADABAI)

Keywords

• Coral reef conservation
• Community-led conservation
• Marine protected areas
• Indigenous ocean stewardship
• Reef monitoring services

Headquarters

HQ city

Santa Cruz

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: OneReef operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (Tax ID #46-4293324) primarily funded through donations from individuals, foundations, and corporations. In 2021, received a $2 million contribution from Russ Fuller, co-founder of Fuller & Thaler. Additional donation mechanisms include Benevity workplace giving, GlobalGiving, Bright Funds, and PayPal giving.
2. Designated Funds: Three designated funds accepting contributions: Community Partnership Advancement Fund (supports new agreements), Science and Technology Fund (advances resources for ocean stewards), and Ocean Stewardship Fund (educates future stewards through camps and programs).
3. Grants and Government Funding: Funding from government donors including Australian Government DFAT, Global Affairs Canada, EU, AFD, and New Zealand MFAT for the Kiwa Initiative MiCOAST project. Also supported by institutional funders like Micronesia Challenge.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

OneReef delivers long-term (20-year) Community Partnership Agreements with indigenous Pacific Island communities that combine shared vision planning, advanced reef monitoring technology, ranger training and equipment, and youth education programs to enable community-led coral reef protection. The core service is the partnership framework itself, augmented by 3D reef imaging services (via Scripps), ranger enforcement support, surveillance radar, and intergenerational knowledge transfer through Community Learning Centers. Funding flows directly to local ocean stewards rather than through intermediary conservation organizations.

Product overview

OneReef is a nonprofit organization offering a comprehensive community-led coral reef conservation ecosystem rather than a single software product. The core offering is the OneReef Community Partnership Model—a 20-year shared vision framework that provides indigenous communities with the resources, science, and technology needed to protect coral reefs. This is supported by complementary services including 3D Reef Imaging Technology (developed with Scripps Institution of Oceanography), Ranger Training and Equipment Programs, Traditional Stewardship Programs for youth education, and Community Learning Centers. Regional initiatives like the MiCOAST Project and Oceania Collective extend the model's reach across Pacific Island nations. Together, these offerings create a vertically integrated conservation solution encompassing community partnership agreements, scientific monitoring technology, enforcement capabilities, and generational knowledge transfer.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• OneReef Community Partnership Model A 20-year shared vision framework that enables indigenous Pacific Island communities to lead coral reef stewardship. Includes Community Partnership Agreements with clear goals, shared commitments, financial strategies, and conflict management protocols; coordination with government, community leaders, and partners; and ongoing partnership expansion across Palau, FSM, and the Republic of Marshall Islands.
• 3D Reef Imaging Technology Service Advanced 3D photomosaic reef imaging technology provided through partnership with Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Enables community stewards to monitor reef health, quantify coral cover by species, count habitat nooks and crannies for marine species, and compare changes over time to inform conservation decisions. Local teams are trained to operate the technology independently.
• Ranger Training and Equipment Program Equips local ocean rangers with tools, technology, boats, communication systems, drones, and radar systems to protect reefs from overfishing and foreign fishing threats. Includes enforcement training and certification programs in collaboration with Global Conservation.
• Traditional Stewardship Education Program Connects elders with youth to pass down generational knowledge through Community Learning Centers resembling traditional canoe houses. Youth learn traditional fishing, farming, voyaging, food preparation, medicine, and other survival skills, combined with modern science and technology.
• MiCOAST Project A regional climate adaptation project under the Kiwa Initiative focused on Pacific Island communities. Supports marine conservation efforts through climate adaptation funding from Australian Government, Canada, European Union, France, and New Zealand.
• Oceania Collective An initiative connecting leaders from Pacific Island nations to support each other in preserving marine resources and traditional way of life. Seven partner organizations from island nations committed at launch.

Quantifiable outcome

• 37% increase in total fish biomass for OneReef-supported communities (10% more than control sites)
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability2 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core, major and supporting.

• Hatohobei State Government (Palau)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2010OneReef's first and flagship community partnership since 2010. Five-year renewable agreement signed to protect Helen Reef Atoll. OneReef helped build ranger station, outrigger canoes, and trained/equipped generations of community rangers. Rangers have successfully apprehended illegal fishing vessels and resisted bribes.
• Scripps Institution of OceanographycoreTechnology or IntegrationScience partner providing advanced 3D imaging technology for reef monitoring. Conducted monitoring at Helen Reef and Ant Atoll as part of 100 Island Challenge. Trained local community teams in reef imaging technology. Scientific analysis shows 37% increase in fish biomass at OneReef-supported sites.
• Global ConservationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing rangers with equipment, training, and technology including communication systems, boats, drones, and radar systems to protect reefs from overfishing.
• Nia TerocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner supporting Young Leaders Fellowship Program for Ryan Hawley (Ant Atoll). Also funded Helen Reef Ranger Station renovations and MiCOAST project.
• The Nature Conservancy (TNC)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated on Palau Protected Area Network (PAN) management strategy. Facilitates cross-site learning exchanges. Co-chairs national fisheries initiative with OneReef.
• Micronesia Conservation TrustcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerServed as fiscal executor for the first OneReef Community Partnership Agreement with Hatohobei community in 2010.
• ProtectedSeassupportingTechnology or IntegrationCollaborated on installation and testing of M2 Marine Monitor radar at Ant Atoll for vessel detection and monitoring.
• Palau Ministry of Environment and TourismmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSigned Memorandum of Understanding in 2015 to incorporate OneReef model into Palau's Protected Area Network (PAN) and finance plan. OneReef invited to contribute to nation's emerging 5-year PAN management strategy.
• Palau Ministry of JusticemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFormal MoU signed in 2016 to collaborate on enforcement actions and trainings in support of Palau National Marine Sanctuary (PNMS). Critical for future enforcement of Palau's marine protected areas.
• Conservation Society of PohnpeicoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal NGO partner supporting OneReef programs in Federated States of Micronesia. Hosts annual cross-site meetings for MPA communities to share best practices. Director Eugene Joseph championed 18 years of cross-site learning exchanges.
• National Geographic SocietymajorGTM or Marketing PartnerFeatured OneReef partner Hatohobei community in 'Defenders of the Reef' article in July 2024 Indigenous Futures special issue.
• Palau Conservation SocietysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner organization in Palau working on coral reef conservation.
• Palau International Coral Reef CentersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommunity partner institution in Palau focused on coral reef research and conservation.
• Yap State GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDepartment of Resources and Development (Marine Resources and Management Division and Agriculture and Forestry Division) partners with OneReef for marine conservation in Yap.
• Pohnpei State GovernmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerState government partner including Department of Resources and Development and Division of Fish and Wildlife for conservation programs.
• Asner Lab (Arizona State University)supportingTechnology or IntegrationGlobal Airborne Observatory partnership for aerial surveys and monitoring of reef ecosystems.
• United Nations Development ProgrammesupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerUNDP listed as community partner for conservation initiatives.
• Pacific Islands Managed and Protected Areas CommunitysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional network partner for marine protected area management.
• RAREsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerConservation organization partner for community-based conservation programs.
• Micronesia ChallengemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional conservation initiative connected to Palau's Protected Area Network. OneReef's model contributes to Micronesia Challenge goals.
• Climate Resilient Island Societies (CRIS Alliance)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for climate resilience initiatives in island communities.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Rare: Global conservation organization running community-based fisheries and coastal programs, including Pride Campaigns and locally managed marine areas in the Pacific. Already a OneReef partner; offers directly overlapping methodology and target communities.
• Coral Triangle Center: Regional marine conservation organization focused on coral reef protection, sustainable fisheries, and community engagement across the Coral Triangle. Comparable geographic and programmatic scope to OneReef's Pacific mission.
• Blue Ventures: Community-led marine conservation nonprofit operating in Madagascar, Indonesia, and beyond with locally managed marine areas and fisheries recovery. Directly comparable to OneReef in pairing indigenous community partnerships with reef/fisheries outcomes.
• Blue Marine Foundation: Marine conservation nonprofit focused on ocean protection, marine protected areas, and community engagement. Comparable in mission scale and reef/fisheries focus to OneReef's community-led model.

Broad incumbents

• World Wildlife Fund (WWF): Global conservation giant running reef and marine protected area programs across the Indo-Pacific. Founder Christopher LaFranchi's prior employer; comparable mission with vastly larger footprint.
• Wildlife Conservation Society: Major international conservation NGO with marine and community-based fisheries programs in Asia-Pacific. Overlapping reef and indigenous-stewardship activities with broader geographic portfolio.
• Fauna & Flora International: International conservation NGO with marine and community-led stewardship programs across the Indo-Pacific. Comparable mission and beneficiary communities with significantly broader scope.
• The Nature Conservancy: One of the world's largest conservation NGOs, operating marine programs across the Pacific. Already a OneReef partner (Palau PAN co-chair); broader portfolio but overlapping marine protected area work.
• Conservation International: Large global conservation NGO with significant marine and Indigenous-led stewardship programs in Asia-Pacific. Broader portfolio than OneReef but directly overlapping reef and community conservation work.

Emerging players

• Nia Tero: Foundation funding indigenous-led stewardship globally, including OneReef's Young Leaders Fellowship. Operates as a funder/enabler rather than direct implementer; intersects with OneReef's mission via shared indigenous-led framework.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCYui3gPTMY8ZbVAZJIDhPVQ?view_as=subscriber
• Facebookfacebook.com/OneReefWorldWide
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/onereef
• Instagraminstagram.com/Onereefworldwide

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about OneReef