Reef-World and partners support the call to save coral reefs
Every other breath we take is made up of oxygen produced by the ocean. What’s more, over a billion people directly depend on coral reefs. The health of our ocean is intrinsically linked to our own survival. Yet, our ocean and our coral reefs are under threat. Without coral reefs – which are among the most biodiverse ecosystems on the planet – we would lose a huge diversity of marine species as well as the benefits they bring us: food, livelihoods, coastal protection and even medicines. So, why are we not doing more to protect them?
We’ve already 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. We could lose 90% of them in the next 30 years. But, while it might seem bleak, there is still hope. If we act now – and quickly – we can protect coral reefs for future generations.
In a recent blog post, we talked 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). To recap, 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.
Our blog, which explored why the Recommendation is so important, caused lots of interesting discussions among the Reef-World team and our partners. It was inspiring to hear all the different reasons why people feel coral reefs are so important to them. In fact, we were so moved by their comments that we wanted to share them with you:
Chloe Harvey, Director, The Reef-World Foundation
“Each and every one of us rely on healthy oceans in some way. Healthy coral reef ecosystems are an essential piece in this puzzle as they support 25% of all marine life on the planet. Protecting this natural beauty and global asset is imperative for the security of our own generation and for those to come.”
JJ Harvey, Director, The Reef-World Foundation
“Our planet is at a critical turning point and we need to collectively make a huge push to change our current thinking and approach to how we see and use our environment. Coral reefs are predicted to be one of the first ecosystems to collapse and could do so in a relatively short space of time. Due to their importance to billions of people and our own way of life, it is crucial that we do all that we can to turn the situation around as a priority."
CLOWNFISH IN ANEMONE, CINZIA OSELE BISMARCK / CORAL REEF IMAGE BANK
Gabriel Grimsditch, Marine Ecosystems Expert, UN Environment Programme
“Coral reefs are evolutionary marvels and the most biodiverse ecosystem in the ocean. They are also critical lifelines, food sources and protective barriers for hundreds of millions of people around the world. Losing coral reefs would mean our planet losing biological richness, losing resilience and becoming more impoverished.”
Katie Thompson, Global Director, Corporate Social Responsibility, PADI Worldwide
“Protecting coral reefs is critical to safeguarding human livelihoods and ensuring a more balanced future between humanity and ocean. They are not separate constructs that can thrive independently of each other. We choose to remain optimistic about the future and we believe that hope must be tied to action. As the underwater eyes of the ocean, divers can serve as its greatest ally. Partnering with organisations like Reef-World is critical to ensuring global alignment and PADI remains committed to making Coral Reef Awareness, Preservation and Education key focus areas of our conservation programme.”
INDIA’S ANDAMAN ISLANDS, UMEED MISTRY / CORAL REEF IMAGE BANK
Rachel Huber, Sustainable Operations, Explorer Ventures Liveaboard Diving Fleet
“Nature is our greatest ally and the oceans are our lifeblood. It's critical that we prioritise global solutions that ensure the long-term sustainability of coastal ecosystems for local livelihoods, the diving economy, and the future of our planet. We must support ICRI's recommendations, act on its target and adapt our conservation efforts accordingly. Let's give future generations the opportunity to enjoy and experience coral reefs as we do today.”
Jacob Dalhoff Steensen, Partnership Manager, Paralenz
“For the future of our children and the planet as a whole, we all have a strong obligation to contribute to the global mission of protecting and restoring our marine and coastal ecosystems. The global frameworks and guidelines put in place to guide initiatives and stakeholders are a key component in achieving the goal of a restored ocean. This is very encouraging and very motivating.”
Adam Broadbent, CEO & Co-Founder, ZuBlu
“Coral reefs are vital ecosystems, supporting 25% of all marine species on the planet yet we’ve lost 50% of the world’s coral reefs in the past 20 years. Coral reefs provide food and livelihoods for billions of people and, for tourism, they offer a world of magic and wonder. The protection of coral reefs is critical for the future of our planet and our humanity.”
MALDIVES, SIMON HILBOURNE / CORAL REEF IMAGE BANK
The survival of coral reefs is critical to the survival of our oceans and the marine species living there; not to mention the rest of the planet! Reef-World dreams of a future where our generation’s grandchildren (and their grandchildren!) can enjoy the benefits of healthy, thriving coral reefs.
But this dream is within our grasp – ICRI’s recommended indicators are critical in realising this vision. By enabling countries to determine progress against targets, enhance their ability to monitor the health of these vital ecosystems and keep them accountable in their conservation efforts, ICRI’s recommended indicators will allow people to take strategic action at the right time and scale for the most effective reef protection. The result: tangible action for reef protection, measurable results and, ultimately, healthier coral reefs and oceans.
Please join us in supporting this crucial campaign. For more information visit www.coralpost2020.org and add your voice to this critical global conversation by sharing your support on social media.