Experts around the world join forces to save coral reefs
Here’s the alarming news: we’ve lost 50 percent of the world’s coral reefs and, according to the Global Biodiversity Outlook 5, corals are the group with the most rapid increase in extinction risk.
Corals may take up less than one percent of the ocean floor but they support a quarter of all species in the ocean and provide food, livelihoods, economic security and cultural heritage for more than a billion people around the world. But we can act now. We can prevent devastation of these vital ecosystems forever. Something can be done to protect them – but it needs to be fast!
You might have heard about the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)’s Recommendation that coral reefs must be prioritised in the Convention on Biological Diversity’s (CBD) post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). The Recommendation asks for specific, and actionable indicators that will allow countries to measure progress towards sustaining coral reefs in a way that yields significant benefits to humankind. But what would global protection for this critical, vulnerable ecosystem look like?
Here, experts and community members around the world explain why the ICRI Recommendation is so important.
We must not ignore the urgency of this issue
Coral reefs are under intense pressure from human activities such as climate change, pollution and destructive fishing practices. We have already lost 50 percent of our coral reefs. Waiting even longer will put our reefs at further risk.
That’s why ICRI is encouraging CBD parties to recognise the urgency of coral reef decline and take action now. Including available, measurable coral reef indicators within the post-2020 GBF will incentivise coral reef conservation and restoration by enabling countries to determine progress against targets and enhance their ability to monitor these vital ecosystems.
Alain de Comarmond, Principal Secretary, Environment Department, Ministry of Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Republic of Seychelles
“The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 confirms that coral reefs have ‘shown the most rapid increase in extinction risk of all assessed groups’ due to climate change and other human pressures. This underlines the urgency to prioritise coral reefs in the new Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.
We rely on healthy, thriving coral reefs
Coral reefs may make up just a fraction of a percent of the ocean floor but they support 25 percent of marine species and generate $2.7 trillion USD in ecosystem services; not to mention providing food, livelihoods and cultural heritage to more than a billion people around the world.
ICRI’s recommended indicators will keep countries accountable and on course in their efforts to protect our precious reefs for future generations. What’s more, enabling them to detect changes will mean they can be more adaptable in their conservation measures: innovating and taking strategic action at the right time and scale for most effective reef protection.
Zac Goldsmith, the UK International Environment Minister
“Protection of our ocean is a global challenge requiring global action. Coral reefs remain vital to this effort, as they support over a quarter of all life in the ocean, and are facing unprecedented threats.”
Vilive Vuinasova, District Representative for Tavulomo Village, Dama District, Bua Province in Vanua Levu, Fiji
“Living by the sea, for generations our people are dependent on coral reefs for food and livelihood. The fish we catch from the reefs are a source of daily protein for more than 30 households here. The income we derive from fish sales is used to provide our needs and secure our children’s future.”
The ecosystem could be on its way to collapse
However we measure it, we’re starting from a deteriorated state. We have already lost significant amounts of live coral cover around the world. We simply cannot afford to lose any more of these vital ecosystems.
If ICRI’s recommended indicators are adopted, they will provide a globally recognised and scientifically proven way to establish baselines and measure the health of reefs around the world. They will include: coral cover, coral reef extent, fleshy algae cover, area-based management, index of coastal water quality, and fish abundance and biomass.
Our ocean is already in poor health. As things stand, coral ecosystems will collapse in the next 30 years. We must act now to prioritise coral protection to prevent this from happening.
Helen Ågren, Ambassador for the Ocean at the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs
“We have already lost 50 percent of the coral reefs globally. To save what is left we must halt climate change and protect these beautiful and life supporting ecosystems. The world will be a lot poorer without them.”
Zaha Waheed, Minister of Fisheries, Marine Resources and Agriculture, Republic of Maldives
“Coral reefs are widely known to be an essential pillar of our existence; one of the very reasons contributing to the prestige Maldives enjoys internationally. However, an increase in the frequency and the magnitude of climate change associated impacts, such as mass bleaching and ocean acidification, threatens this same system which is also the backbone of our economy. It is crucial to come together to find global solutions to save the interconnected coral reefs, of the Maldives and the world.”
To protect the ocean we must protect reefs
All marine species and ecosystems are interrelated. Coral reefs, in particular, play a huge role in keeping our ocean healthy. They are also a way of monitoring the overall health of our ocean; acting as an “early warning system” when the ocean’s health is declining.
For this reason, it’s integral that we’re able to monitor the health, function and integrity of coral reefs. Clear, scientifically-proven and globally accepted indicators will allow us to see where intervention is needed as well as which conservation measures are working. Because of coral reefs’ vital role in the wider marine ecosystem, the ability to closely monitor and effectively protect them will have a positive ripple effect. Healthy coral reefs mean a healthy ocean so protecting them will only support the GBF’s overall goals.
Wiliame Katonivere, Traditional Head, Tui Macuata, Fiji
“Every Fijian is brought up by the ocean. The first thing they see is the ocean and the reefs around them. In my traditional area, the Great Sea Reef is not only our life, it’s a sanctuary for us. My vision for the next 10 years is for people to not have to go far to find fish; to have enough food and fish to eat.”
Peter Thomson, UNSG’s Special Envoy for the Ocean
“We lose coral reefs at 2°C global warming. Without coral reefs, how can we have a healthy Ocean? Without a healthy Ocean, how can we have a healthy planetary ecosystem? Greenhouse gases are our common enemy.”
Protecting our ocean is vital for the survival of our planet. And the survival of coral reefs is vital for the protection of our ocean. How can we be living in harmony with nature by 2050 if we’ve lost our coral reefs?
The importance of ICRI’s recommended indicators cannot be understated. A key part of the solution, they will help drive tangible action – and measure results – to effectively protect reefs around the world. We’re proud to be involved in ICRI’s campaign and hope you will join us in supporting it.
For more information visit www.coralpost2020.org and add your voice to this critical global conversation by sharing your support on social media.
