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Science Coral Reef Conservation Coral Conservation Efforts | Coral Reef Conservation |
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Due to increased pressure on coral reef ecosystems, many marine conservation programmes have been developed to study and conserve coral reefs. Many are localised, thus data gathered through them cannot be compared with other regions. To solve this problem, global initiatives have been developed, using common methods and standards. Some of these are:
ICRI (International Coral Reef Initiative)
Reef CheckDeveloped as a volunteer, community-based monitoring protocol measuring the health of coral reefs on a global scale its objectives are; to educate the public about the coral reef crisis; to create a global network of volunteer teams trained in Reef Check's scientific methods regularly monitoring and reporting on reef health; to facilitate collaboration producing ecologically sound and economically sustainable solutions; and to stimulate local community action to protect remaining pristine reefs and rehabilitate damaged reefs worldwide. United Nations Environmental Programme Convention of Biological Diversity (UNEP CBD)This aims to maintain the world's biological diversity by conservation and encouraging fair and equitable use of genetic resources. Coral reef degradation contributes to biodiversity loss. Chemical pollution, eutrophication, fisheries operations, global climate change, alterations of physical habitat and invasions of exotic species are targeted. RAMSAR conventionThis endeavours to conserve and sustainably use wetlands through international cooperation. Many reefs fall within the definition of wetlands, thus are affected by this convention. Global Program of Protection of the Marine Environment from Land-based Activities (GPA)
Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)This works to ensure international trade in wild animals and plants does not threaten their survival. Many species of coral as well as giant clams, sea horses and the queen conch are listed in Appendix II of CITES as species not necessarily threatened with extinction, but for which trade must be controlled to avoid utilisation incompatible with their survival. International trade in these organisms requires an export permit issued by the country of export, proving the specimen has been legally obtained and the export is not detrimental to species survival. United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)This aims to stabilise greenhouse gas concentrations at a level preventing dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, in sufficient time to allow ecosystems to adapt naturally to climate change, ensuring that food production is not threatened and allowing sustainable economic development. Scientific information is received from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), an independent body of the World Meteorological Organisation and UNEP, conducting periodic scientific assessments. IPCC research includes assessing the impacts of climate change on coral reefs. Results show that the expected increase in seawater temperature, sea level rise, changes in storm patterns and water currents, as well as changes in rainfall patterns and increased sedimentation will all affect coral reef ecosystems. For more information see: |
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This partnership between nations and organisations aims to improve management practices, increase capacity and political support, and share information on coral reef health. ICRI identifies four major areas of work: integrated management; capacity building; research and monitoring; and review. Operational networks have been established for monitoring (
Some of the largest threats to reef ecosystems are siltation and eutrophication as a result of deforestation and sewage or fertiliser runoff. Litter may cause entaglement and ingestion problems in marine animals. The GPA aims to implement Sewage Action Plans (SAP) and reduce the Physical Alteration and Destruction of Habitats (PADH) in coral reef related coastal and marine areas.
