Groups seek global action to protect coral reefs

A global campaign designed by to save coral reefs from complete global collapse has been launched in London.

The campaign was launched by The Ocean Agency, for the International Year of the Reef 2018 – a multi government and NGO initiative led by the International Coral Reef Initiative in collaboration with UN Environment Programme.

The last three years have seen the longest and most extensive coral die-off ever recorded and this impact from global climate change is predicted to worsen for at least the next two to three decades, threatening further destruction to reefs that are already suffering damage from overfishing and pollution.

International Year of the Reef provides an extraordinary opportunity to educate the broader public on what they can do to preserve this treasured species for the livelihood and enjoyment of future generations.

The aim of the International Year of the Reef campaign is to draw attention to the crisis facing coral reefs and to secure the support necessary from governments, NGOs, businesses and the public.

It also, aims to build on a new level of support for coral reef conservation and science, prompted by the recent global die-off, and help ensure 2018 becomes a turning point for coral reef conservation.

It is further intended to be a catalyst for action at a scale that has never been achieved before bringing together all sectors to work as a global community to find solutions to a global problem.

Speaking at a gathering of some of the world’s leading coral reef experts and advocates in London, organised by The Prince’s International Sustainability Unit, the Prince Charles of Wales said:
 
“There can be no doubt that we are at a critical tipping point, where we will either ensure or fatally compromise our ability to safeguard the world’s coral reefs and the species that will support future generations of humans and countless other species.”

Also speaking at the campaign launch, Head of UN Environment , Erik Solheim, said: “We are at a critical juncture for the future of the world’s coral reefs. For too long we have been taking much more from them than we have given back. Now climate change and ocean acidification also threaten their very existence. 

“These underwater ecosystems sustain a quarter of all marine life and gift more than half a billion people essential food and livelihoods, yet we have already allowed up to 50 percent of the world’s coral reefs to die. The International Year of the Reef is the springboard for galvanizing urgent global action to turn this coral reef crisis around”, he added,

To support the campaign, the International Year of the Reef launched a unique library of imagery and resources, which are freely available to download and use.

It includes imagery collected for Google Street View and during filming for the Netflix Original Documentary Chasing Coral.

The image library is funded by The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, which supports organizations that work to improve the health of oceans through research, preservation and management of coral reefs.

Chairman and President of The Tiffany & Co. Foundation, Anisa Kamadoli Costa called for global action to protect coral reefs, saying it the cornerstone of healthy marine ecosystems from the myriad of threats they face.

Speaking about the global campaign, French Ambassador for the Environment, Xavier Sticker said “2018 has been designated by ICRI as the International Year of the Reef.

“This is a great opportunity to draw attention to the condition of coral reefs and to step up efforts to save them. Action is our watchword for this year and beyond. We are committed to work as a team to make a difference to coral reef conservation’, he added.