Introduction: A transformative gathering at the intersection of climate action, art, and community
During NYC Climate Week, Coral Vita staged Currents, a full-day to night event anchored by ocean restoration and collective imagination. The gathering drew a diverse roster of Indigenous elders, environmental entrepreneurs, youth activists, artists, storytellers, and everyday ocean lovers. The goal was to move beyond data alone and into shared feeling, co-creation, and practical pathways for protecting and regenerating our waters.
The mission: From crisis to regeneration
The urgency of Currents was clear: coral reefs are under existential threat, with approximately half already lost and 90% at risk by 2050. The program acknowledged these realities while highlighting a more hopeful trajectory—one where science, art, and community-led action converge to rebuild resilient ecosystems. As Coral Vita co-founder Sam Teicher emphasized, the event sought to translate concern into concrete steps, inviting participants to imagine and enact a thriving ocean future from within their own communities.
A program that respects both science and story
Currents balanced technical content with immersive experiences designed to engage the heart as well as the head. Panels featured cutting-edge coral restoration research alongside case studies from Coral Vita’s work in The Bahamas, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and beyond. Attendees learned how land-based coral farms can accelerate reef recovery at scale, and how restoration economies can sustain local livelihoods while protecting marine habitats.
Listener to leader: Indigenous voices and cross-cultural exchange
A defining element of Currents was the active involvement of Indigenous elders and community voices. Their perspectives on stewardship, reciprocity with the ocean, and traditional ecological knowledge enriched discussions about regeneration and resilience. The event also created space for cross-cultural dialogue, acknowledging that healing the sea entails healing our relationships with land, water, and one another.
Art, tech, and performance: Sensory pathways to action
Currents integrated technology showcases with live performances, artist-led installations, and immersive experiences. The artistic components helped translate scientific findings into tangible hopes and actions, inviting participants to imagine new possibilities for the Restoration Economy—where coral farming, coastal protection, and community education reinforce one another. The presence of youth activists and storytellers encouraged a generational exchange, linking urgency with opportunity and courage with care.
Outcomes: Building momentum for an ocean-first agenda
Beyond the day’s events, Currents aimed to seed ongoing collaboration and concrete commitments. By fostering networks that span science, industry, art, and indigenous leadership, the gathering sought to accelerate scalable restoration projects, raise awareness about reef-threatened regions, and mobilize resources for conservation initiatives. For Coral Vita, Currents reinforced the company’s broader mission: to prove that large-scale reef recovery is possible when innovation meets viable business models and community ownership.
About Coral Vita and the restoration vision
Coral Vita is a reef restoration solutions company that grows resilient corals at scale to restore threatened reefs. Since 2019, it established the world’s first commercial land-based coral farm for reef restoration and has since expanded operations across multiple regions, advancing a model that blends science, education, and workforce development. The company envisions a global network of large-scale commercial coral farms, each powered by actionable technology and a thriving Restoration Economy that benefits ecosystems and communities alike.
For readers seeking deeper education on coral reef restoration, Coral Vita provides resources and case studies at coralvita.co/articles.
Event leadership and collaboration
Currents was hosted by a dedicated team from Coral Vita—Lena Cole, Jess Serrante, Elana Meta, and brothers Sam and Seth Teicher—working in collaboration with New York’s CX community to ensure the event bridged online conversations with real-world engagement.
Media and further information
For media inquiries, contact Coral Vita through the listed channels. Updates and resources on coral recovery and ocean protection continue to be available at coralvita.co.
