The Coral Triangle is the global epicentre of marine biodiversity, home to the highest diversity of coral reefs on Earth and millions of people who depend on them. This talk explores why this region is so biologically extraordinary, beginning with the Wallace Line, a historic biogeographical boundary that revealed how evolution, geography, and the sea shape life.

Drawing on field research from Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, the talk examines how coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows function as an interconnected “roots to reefs” system, and how this connectivity underpins biodiversity and resilience. It highlights emerging approaches to coral reef restoration that combine drone and satellite mapping, AI-assisted analysis, and immersive 360° storytelling to evaluate ecological recovery at scales relevant to communities and Marine Protected Areas.

The talk highlights an evolution in conservation science, where advanced mapping and monitoring are paired with community-led restoration and immersive education. By retracing the Wallace Line through modern conservation expeditions, the presentation reimagines exploration as stewardship, where data, maps, and stories are returned to local communities to support learning, monitoring, and long-term care of coral reef ecosystems.