In response to the ongoing fourth global coral bleaching event, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Arizona State University (ASU), CORDIO East Africa, and the MSC Foundation are intensifying their joint efforts to protect and restore coral reefs worldwide. This collaboration is critical as coral reefs face escalating threats from climate change, overfishing, and pollution.
Coral reefs are essential to marine biodiversity and the livelihoods of millions around the globe. According to Susanne Pedersen, Director of the IUCN Centre for Science and Data Centre, coral reefs not only support diverse marine life but also offer significant benefits to people through fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection. “The importance of coral reefs in maintaining marine ecosystems and human economies cannot be overstated,” Pedersen asserts.
Utilizing the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems, the IUCN remains dedicated to evaluating and addressing the risks facing coral ecosystems. The ongoing partnership with the MSC Foundation is crucial for advancing these conservation efforts.
Daniela Picco, Executive Director of the MSC Foundation, highlights the foundation’s commitment: “Our long-term goal is to enhance marine protection. We enter this partnership with high expectations, aiming to accelerate collective action to ensure the sustainability of our oceans for future generations.”
David Obura, Founding Director of CORDIO East Africa, underscores the significance of coral reefs for tropical economies and local communities. “Providing up-to-date information on the status and extinction risk of corals is essential for informed management and policy-making at all levels.”
The partnership, officially announced during Monaco Ocean Week 2023, marks a pivotal step in global coral reef conservation. By bringing together key organizations such as CORDIO East Africa, Arizona State University, and the IUCN SSC Coral Specialist Group, this alliance aims to enhance conservation and restoration efforts for threatened coral ecosystems globally.
Beth Polidoro, Deputy Director at the ASU Center for Biodiversity Outcomes and lead of the ASU-IUCN Partnership, expresses concern about the current state of coral reefs. “Our assessments reveal an increasingly dire situation for coral survival. While we face uncertainty about how corals and ecosystems may adapt to major oceanographic changes, we must act swiftly to address climate change.”
As the fourth global coral bleaching event affects 53 countries and territories, including critical regions like the Great Barrier Reef and the Western Indian Ocean, the need for immediate and effective intervention is clear. The IUCN and MSC Foundation remain committed to their mission, working together to ensure a sustainable future for coral reefs around the world. Through resilient partnerships and dedicated efforts, they continue to strive towards preserving these vital marine ecosystems.
