March 8th marks International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements and their pivotal role in driving positive change across all sectors of society. As we reflect on the incredible progress made, we are reminded of the essential contributions of women in environmental conservation, particularly in the protection of coral reefs and the wider biodiversity that sustains the planet.
Coral reefs, often called the “rainforests of the sea,” provide goods and services valued at an estimated US$9.9 trillion per year, support a quarter of all known marine species, provide livelihoods for up to a billion people, and act as a natural buffer against storms and coastal erosion. Yet, these vital ecosystems are facing significant challenges, from climate change to overfishing and pollution. Protecting these ecosystems requires bold, inclusive action—action that recognises the critical role of women in shaping conservation science and practice.
While women have long been at the forefront of environmental change and coral reef protection, their leadership is still underrepresented in science and decision-making. This is a critical issue, as inclusive decision-making is essential for creating effective solutions to the challenges we face. Thankfully, global movements are shifting the narrative.
One such example is the increasing emphasis on gender balance in global environmental agreements. The UN Biodiversity Conferences, such as the recent Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD COP16), held under the theme “Peace with Nature,” marked a significant step forward in acknowledging the need for inclusive, society-wide collaboration. The conference brought together global leaders, with the leadership of the new CBD Executive Secretary, Astrid Schomaker, and Colombia’s Minister for the Environment and Sustainable Development, H.E. María Susana Muhamad González, who many described as leading “the People’s COP.”
This inclusive approach to biodiversity governance is pivotal. As countries around the world work toward achieving the targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF), it is increasingly clear that gender equality is integral to the success of these goals. Women’s voices—particularly those from communities most dependent on biodiversity—are essential in crafting policies that are not only effective but also just and sustainable.
While challenges remain, the progress we’ve seen in recent years is promising. More women are stepping into leadership roles, advocating for policies that prioritise both the environment and gender equity. By empowering women, especially in local communities where coral reefs are most vulnerable, we can ensure that conservation efforts are holistic and far-reaching.
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who are shaping the future of coral reefs and biodiversity conservation. Their leadership is not only critical to the survival of our planet’s ecosystems but to the creation of a more just and sustainable world for all. By promoting gender equality and supporting women’s roles in science and policy, we can move closer to achieving a thriving, biodiverse planet where nature and humanity coexist in harmony.
The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) works diligently to include underrepresented voices in its actions and framework for coral reef conservation. By fostering collaboration across sectors and ensuring diverse perspectives are heard, ICRI is helping to create more inclusive and effective strategies to protect coral reefs for generations to come.
