How can coral reefs be protected?

It is now time to learn to use coral reefs in ways that preserve coral reef species for our children without compromising the services that reefs provide. In order to effectively protect coral reefs and other marine environments, it is imperative to manage our uses and impacts so that they do not exceed the self-repair capacity. The biological and physical processes influencing coral reefs are generally much larger than the management ability of governments and communities. However, most of the human actions that damage coral reefs can be managed locally. A variety of activities, including education, establishment of international conventions and treaties, research projects, and the establishment of marine protected areas are under way to protect coral reefs.

One of the most important things that can be done is to spread awareness about the value and services that coral reefs (and their related ecosystems, such as mangroves and sea grasses) provide to people, and to encourage communities, companies and governments to take steps to protect them. In that in mind, the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has designated 2008 as the International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2008 – www.iyor.org)—a year-long campaign of events and initiatives hosted by governments, individuals, corporations, and schools around the world—to promote awareness, conservation action and strengthen long-term support for coral reef conservation. The primary objectives are to communicate to a broad range of interests, including people who live far away from coral reefs, their value and services, and to facilitate public involvement in coral reef conservation in all countries.

Since 1994 the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), has served as an informal partnership of governments, international organizations, non-governmental organizations and scientists and was established out of concern for the degradation of coral reefs. ICRI is one of the fourteen multilateral environmental agreements, programs, partnerships and networks relevant to the protection and conservation of coral reefs.¹²

Several Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) have also included coral reefs protection within the priorities of their marine programs, including WWF, TNC, CI and many others.