#Status of Coral Reefs 2002 - International Coral Reef Action Network

INTRODUCTION
We are pleased to endorse and support the 3rd report on the Status of Coral Reefs of the
World: 2002. The two previous reports in 1998 and 2000 were particularly valuable in
focusing the attention of decision makers, major donors and national and international
agencies on the declining status of these invaluable resources, and the need to take action
to assist the approximate 500 million people who depend on reefs, wholly or partially for
their livelihoods. This report continues to show that reefs are declining, but it also
illustrates major new initiatives that are being implemented to reverse their decline.
Coral reefs are not only major storehouses of incredible biodiversity (32 of the 34
recognised animal Phyla are found on coral reefs compared to 9 Phyla in tropical
rainforests), but also provide food, cultural objects, building materials and shoreline
protection for peoples living near them. Another benefit is coral reef tourism, which is one
of the fastest growing industries in the world that now caters for people from the
wealthier countries wanting to visit tropical coastal resorts. Tourism can be an effective
pathway for the conservation of coral reef resources in developing countries.
The recent emphasis at the World Summit on Sustainable Development in 2002 in
Johannesburg was on activities to improve the health and alleviate poverty amongst an
estimated 500 million people who live in tropical developing countries and have some
dependence on coral reefs. Such reefs have been estimated to provide the world with
US$375 billion in goods and services. Per unit area, they are amongst our most valuable
ecosystems. Yet we are witnessing an accelerating rate of their loss, with these losses
directly impacting on poor people. For many of these people, coastal areas, and
particularly coral reefs, are the last ‘resort’ where they turn to after agricultural lands
have lost fertility or industries have collapsed. Displaced people can build a dwelling in the
common lands bordering the sea and make a living with little expenditure by catching or
gleaning food off coral reefs. This was particularly evident in Southeast Asia, the centre of
coral reef biodiversity, when unemployment surged during the economic crisis of 1998.
People returned to their home villages to make a living directly from the environment,
often using damaging practices like bomb fishing. One of the most valuable actions that
we can take is to implement mechanisms to conserve these valuable resources. If we
succeed, we will have a greater chance of improving the nutrition and health of coastal
populations. This 3 rd report continues that trend of providing invaluable data and
information to guide the world in coral reef conservation.
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