Now in its second year, Project Halo brings together researchers, communities, governments and industry partners to restore degraded mangrove ecosystems, strengthen coastlines and build long-term climate resilience. The 2025 Impact Report captures the early progress of this ambitious collaboration and offers a snapshot of the scientific, social and environmental impact already underway.

Building a resilient future for the Pacific

Mangrove ecosystems are among the most powerful natural defenses against climate change — protecting coastlines from erosion and storm surges, supporting fisheries and livelihoods, and storing carbon at rates far exceeding terrestrial forests. Yet across the Pacific, these vital ecosystems are under growing pressure.

Project Halo responds to this challenge through an innovative, science-led and community-driven approach to mangrove restoration. Rather than relying solely on traditional planting methods, the project focuses on restoring natural tidal flows to enable mangroves to regenerate organically, alongside the development of world-first floating mangrove pontoons (MICI systems) that can adapt to changing coastal conditions.

A global partnership with local impact

Led by UNSW Sydney and The University of the South Pacific (USP), and supported by Swire Shipping, the Fijian Government, UNESCO, SPC and a broad network of regional and international partners, Project Halo represents one of the most significant nature-based initiatives currently underway in the Pacific.

A cornerstone of the project is its investment in people. Through cotutelle PhD programmes jointly awarded by UNSW and USP, emerging Pacific researchers are being trained at the intersection of ecology, engineering, policy and community engagement, ensuring that restoration efforts are locally grounded and sustainable into the future.

From research to action

The Impact Report highlights key achievements from the past year, including:

• Identification and prioritisation of tidal restoration sites in Fiji

• Deployment and monitoring of floating mangrove pontoon prototypes in Australia and Fiji

• Extensive engagement with Fijian ministries, provincial offices, NGOs and local communities

• Growing international recognition of Project Halo’s approach through global forums and conferences

With strong foundations now in place, the next phase of Project Halo will focus on securing approvals, progressing detailed site designs, deepening community partnerships and commencing on-ground restoration activities at scale.

Looking ahead

As the report makes clear, Project Halo is not only about restoring ecosystems — it is about empowering communities, building regional research capacity and creating a model for climate adaptation that can be replicated across island nations worldwide.

The 2025 Impact Report offers a detailed look at this journey so far, and the collective vision driving the project forward.