Climate change poses a major threat to coral reefs. INFOGRAPHIC/NOAA
By PATRICK MAYOYO
The seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) passed a landmark resolution, urging immediate global action to accelerate efforts aimed at bolstering the climate resilience of coral reefs worldwide.
The resolution, adopted during UNEA-7, addresses the urgent challenges facing coral reefs, including climate change, ocean acidification, pollution, and unsustainable fishing practices.
Coral reefs, which harbour around 25 percent of marine biodiversity and support the livelihoods of nearly one billion people, are under immense threat from the effects of global warming and environmental degradation.
The ecosystems provide essential services worth an estimated $9.9 trillion annually, making their protection a key priority for the global community.
Climate change is causing a global coral reef crisis by rapidly warming oceans, leading to more frequent, intense, and prolonged mass coral bleaching events where corals expel vital algae, turn white, starve, and die, threatening marine biodiversity, coastal protection, and economies, with current trends showing catastrophic losses if emissions aren’t cut urgently.
The UNEA-7 resolution acknowledges the critical ecological, economic, and cultural importance of coral reefs and stresses the need for enhanced international cooperation to safeguard their future.
Despite significant progress through various regional seas conventions and the International Coral Reef Initiative, major gaps in funding and resources for coral reef conservation remain a persistent challenge.
If the stress-caused bleaching is not severe, coral have been known to recover. INFOGRAPHIC/NOAA
Key Elements of the Resolution:
- National and Regional Action Plans: The resolution calls on Member States with coral reefs within their territories to integrate the conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of these vital ecosystems into their national biodiversity strategies and action plans.
- Collaboration with International Bodies: The Executive Director of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is requested to work closely with international organisations, such as the International Coral Reef Initiative and other relevant bodies, to develop voluntary guidance that will assist in the integration of coral reef protection into national policies.
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Data Sharing for Informed Decision-Making: Countries are encouraged to contribute data, expertise, and resources to coral reef monitoring systems, such as the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, to facilitate evidence-based decision-making. This data will be crucial in setting and tracking progress towards global conservation targets.
- Financial Mobilisation: The resolution calls for increased financial support for coral reef conservation and restoration initiatives, highlighting the urgent need for funding to implement the new guidance and expand restoration efforts.
- Strengthened National Coordination: Member States are urged to enhance coordination and knowledge-sharing regarding coral reef management, promoting a more integrated and collaborative approach to the preservation of these ecosystems.
A Global Call for Action
The resolution reflects the growing urgency of addressing the degradation of coral reefs, which are vital not only for marine biodiversity but also for supporting coastal communities, tourism industries, and global food security.
With the latest scientific findings underscoring the critical role of coral reefs in sustaining marine ecosystems and human well-being, the resolution places climate resilience at the forefront of global conservation efforts.
UNEA-7’s call to action is expected to galvanise governments, environmental organisations, and local communities into taking decisive steps towards coral reef conservation.
However, the challenge remains substantial, as experts warn that without urgent intervention, coral reefs could face irreversible damage in the coming decades.
As the world grapples with the climate crisis, the adoption of this resolution marks a significant step in ensuring that coral reefs continue to thrive, offering hope for their restoration and resilience in the face of an uncertain future.
