28 Jan 2008 - In 2003,
the World Parks Congress urged that at least
20 to 30 percent of each marine habitat
be protected by 2012. At current levels
of effort, this goal will not be achieved
for coral reefs. Given the importance of
these systems for ocean life and human well-being,
and the special stresses they face because
of climate change, there is an urgent to
need to act now.
WWF, TNC & CI specifically urge that:
• The area of coral reef under protection
be globally increased from the current level
of 15 percent to 30 percent;
• That protected areas be carefully designed
as systems that are able to resists or recover
rapidly from the multiple stresses they
face, including those caused by climate
change;
• That within these protected are systems
there be significant areas where human uses
are significantly limited so that already
stressed marine species can recover; and
• That governments and civil society work
together to achieve the effective management
of all coral reef protected areas.
Unless these actions are taken, there is
little likelihood that the world’s coral
systems will be there to sustain and protect
future generations.
Bill Eichbaum, vice-president
and managing director at WWF, noted, “Coral
reefs face some of the world’s most pressing
environmental challenges – from climate
change to destructive fishing practices.
Reefs host a variety of vital sea life and
are key to the health of the world’s oceans.
As we mark 2008 as the International Year
of the Reef, we are calling on all stakeholders
to step up the pace of action to protect
reefs around the world.”
“In this year of the
reef, we also want to recognize and increase
our support to visionary leaders like President
Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr. of Palau and President
Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia, who
have both committed their nations and inspired
their colleagues throughout Micronesia and
the Coral Triangle to vastly expand their
commitment to coral reef conservation,”
said Lynne Hale, director of the Global
Marine Team of The Nature Conservancy. “Coral
reef conservation for many developing countries
is about more than aesthetics. For the more
than one billion people living in coastal
communities across the tropics, healthy
reefs mean food and a way to earn a living.”
“The continued existence
of much of the world’s coral reefs is in
doubt unless the world’s governments and
private sector take immediate and concerted
action to stem the loss. These ecosystems
are vital to the economies of many countries
and the well-being of millions of people,”
said Roger McManus, vice president for Conservation
International’s Marine Programs. “Many reef
systems in jeopardy today can be saved and
recovered if we all work together to adapt
for climate change and to prevent other
human-caused stress. We are working in the
Coral Triangle and on coral reefs around
the world to ensure a future for these unique
ecosystems.”
