Reef-World attends the 33rd General Meeting of the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)

As members, Reef-World attended the 33rd General Meeting of ICRI in Monaco from the 5th – 7th December. The revolving Secretariat of this prestigious network of leading experts in the field of coral reef science and conservation is currently hosted by the governments of Monaco, Indonesia and Australia.

Reef-World were invited to present Green Fins as an approach enabling governments to concretely deliver on the action plan developed by the Secretariat. The action plan is fulsome and includes

  • the collective voice of ICRI to provide input to the crafting of the new post 2020 biodiversity targets of the Convention on Biological Diversity;
  • pearheading the establishment of a coordination system for the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and producing an updated global status of coral reefs report;
  • improving the understanding and enhancing the control of live reef fish and coral trade, and:-
  • the reduction of anthropogenic threats to coral reefs specifically through reducing marine plastic pollution and promoting sustainable tourism.

Green Fins will support governments to contribute towards sustainable tourism and reduction of marine plastics within the marine tourism sector, with tangible results.

Reef-World also showcased the Green Fins International Year of the Reef 2018 Campaign as a leader amongst this year’s global efforts. Reef-World highlighted the efforts of the Green Fins members throughout the year. The benefit of having predetermined action points to focus on throughout the year, and the support of a global network to promote these messages though, was highlighted.

Picture of people attending the 33rd General Meeting of ICRI in Monaco, including members of the Reef-World team.

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is an informal partnership between nations and organisations which strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world. Although the initiative is an informal group whose decisions are not binding on its members, its actions have been pivotal in continuing to highlight globally the importance of coral reefs and related ecosystems to environmental sustainability, food security and social and cultural wellbeing. The work of ICRI is regularly acknowledged in United Nations documents, highlighting the Initiative’s important cooperation, collaboration and advocacy role within the international arena.