38th ICRI
General Meeting

Outcomes will be developed following the 38th General Meeting .

Summary

The ICRI 38 General Meeting Summary is available! (Download .pdf)

Adopted Documents

• Resolution for the Red Sea Region (Download .pdf)
• Terms of reference for the ICRI Youth ad hoc committee (Download .pdf)
• Terms of reference for the ad hoc committee to support the development of a motion to the IUCN World Conservation Congress (Download .pdf)

New Member

Rare was accepted as an ICRI member at the ICRI 38 General Meeting. Rare is a global nonprofit environmental organization whose mission is to inspire change so people and nature thrive. Website: https://rare.org/

Presentations

Tuesday 10 September 2024

Session 1 – Opening and Welcoming

• Review and summary of the Red Sea Forum (Download .pdf)
  Simon Reeves, General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)
• ICRI 30 and History (Download .pdf)
  ICRI Secretariat
• Rare – Embracing the ICRI Call to Action through Community-led Conservation (Download .pdf)
  Anthony Chatwin, Rare
• ICRI Secretariat Report (Downlaod .pdf)
  ICRI Secretariat
• Resilient Coral Reefs: WCS global coral reef strategy 2025-2030 (Download .pdf)
  Diwigdi Valiente, Wildlife Conservation Society

Session 2 – Financing #ForCoral

• Keynote Speech: Indonesia Coral Bond: Innovative Blue Financing for MPA and Coral Reefs
  H.E. Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries of Indonesia, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, Indonesia
• Global Fund for Coral Reefs: Blended & Innovative Finance (Download .pdf)
  Gabriel Grimsditch and Nicole Trudeau, Global Fund for Coral Reefs
• U.S. Funding Approaches to Turn the Tide for Coral Reefs (Download .pdf)
  Christine Dawson, United States of America, Department of State and ICRI co-chair
• Belize Blue Bonds (Download .pdf)
  Alicia Eck-Nunez, Belize

Session 3 – Promote and build Capacity for the Restoration of Resilient Coral Reefs

• Presentation of Countries current restoration policies (Download .pdf)
  Indonesia Current Restoration Policies on Marine and Coastal Ecosystems
  Hendra Yusran Siry, Indonesia
• Coral Restoration in Jamaica: The Policy Context (Download .pdf)
  Chanel Raynor, Jamaica
• Maldives (Download .pdf)
  Shaifya Naeem, Maldives
• G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP) third funding call under the Coral Accelerator Program (CAP) 2024 (Download .pdf)
  Anderson Mayfield, G20 Coral Research & Development Accelerator Platform (CORDAP)

Presentations

Wednesday 11 September 2024

Session 4 – The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) 

• Report from the GCRMN Steering Committee (Download .pdf)
  Britta Schaffelke, GCRMN Global co-ordinator / Australian Institute of Marine Science
• The Global Report (Download .pdf)
  Tom Dallison, ICRI Secretariat

GCRMN Regional Updates

• Outlook Report, Coral Reefs in the Red Sea, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Download .pdf)
  Mohammed Ismail, General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)
• Updates from the Caribbean node of the GCRMN (Download .pdf)
  Susana Perera Valderrama, UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme
• Pacific GCRMN Regional Update (Download .pdf)
  Nicolas Rocle, Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Monitoring updates from ICRI Members

• Malaysia’s coral reef long-term monitoring and management programs (Download .pdf)
  Izarenah MD Repin, Malaysia
• Building Capacity for Coral Reef Monitoring: Updates on MERMAID as a global platform – including, putting the ‘AI’ into MERMAID (Download .pdf)
  Alexandra Kler Lago, Wildlife Conservation Society
• Coral Reef Rescue Initiative (Download .pdf)
  Carol Phua, WWF International

Session 5 – The Fourth Global Bleaching Event: Monitoring and Management Response 

• Introduction to the Fourth Global Bleaching Event (Download .pdf)
  Derek Manzello, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program

Panel Session: Response planning, Monitoring, Messaging

Moderator, Jennifer Koss, United States of America, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and ICRI co-chair

Panellists

• The Caribbean
  Susana Perera Valderrama, UNEP Caribbean Environment Programme
• The Western Indian Ocean
  Swaleh Aboud, Coastal Oceans Research and Development in the Indian Ocean (CORDIO)
• Maldives
  Shaifya Naeem, Maldives
• Australia
  Britta Schaffelke, Australia
• Thailand
  Thamasak Yeemin, Thailand
• Saudi Arabia
  Chico Birrell, General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)
• The Marine tourism industry’s involvement in monitoring coral reefs during the 4th Global Bleaching event, and efforts to support reef recovery. (Download .pdf)
  Chloe Harvey, The Reef-World Foundation

Presentations

Thursday 12 September 2024

Session 6 – Driving Further Impact and Longevity #ForCoral: Strengthening the Initiative

• Strengthening the Initiative
  Francis Staub, ICRI Global Co-ordinator

Session 7 – Upcoming Events 

• International Conference on Sustainable Coral Reefs (Download .pdf)
  Hendra Yusran Siri
• Coral Reef Insight (Download .pdf)
  Carol Phua
• CBD-COP16 – ICRI #ForCoral Pavilion
• Reef Futures
• UNOC-2025
• IUCN WCC 2025
  ICRI Secretariat
• Proposal to host the 2025-2027 ICRI Secretariat (Download .pdf)
  Dr. Abdulaziz Alsuwailem, General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea (SHAMS)

Session 8 – Engaging, Empowering & Supporting Youth in Coral Reef Conservation: Towards a Healthy, Productive and Resilient Future #ForCoral

• Opening and Welcoming Remarks
  Esther Maina, Youth Delegation
• The Reef Guardian Schools Program Video

Panel Discussion
Moderators: Esther Maina, Youth Delegation and Ghaida Ali Hadaidi, SHAMS
Panellists: 

• Tom Dallison, ICRI Secretariat
• Anna Rothstein, NOAAMorgan Short, ICRS
• Karin Moejes, CORDIO
• Diwigdi Valiente, WCS
• Hatim Salloum, KAUST

Meeting Summary and Closing

Agenda

Motion on the Red Sea Region (Download .pdf)

The General Meeting agenda is available to download (.pdf) (09/09/2024).

The GCRMN Steering Committee meeting agenda is available to download (.pdf) (07/09/2024)

Sunday 8th September 2024

[All Day] – GCRMN Steering Committee Meeting (by invitation only)

Monday 9th September 2024

[All Day] – Workshop: the Red Sea Region – A climate refuge for coral reefs (open to all)

[Evening] – Welcoming reception

Tuesday 10th September 2024

[All Day] – Day 1: ICRI General Meeting (ICRI Members and invited observers)

• [Morning]
  Session 1 – Welcoming and Opening
• [Afternoon]
  Session 2 – Financing #ForCoral
  Session 3 – Preparing for the Future: Promoting Resilient Coral Reefs

Wednesday 11th September 2024

[All Day] – Day 2: ICRI General Meeting (ICRI Members and invited observers)

• [Morning]
  Session 4 – The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)
• [Afternoon]
  Session 5 – The Fourth Global Bleaching Event: Monitoring and Response

Thursday 12th September 2024

[All Day] – Day 3: ICRI General Meeting (ICRI Members and invited observers)

• [Morning]
  Session 6 – Driving Further Impact and Longevity #ForCoral: Strengthening the Initiative
• [Afternoon]
  Session 7 – Upcoming Events
  Session 8 – Engaging, Empowering & Supporting Youth in Coral Reef Conservation: Towards a Healthy, Productive and Resilient Future #ForCoral [view the ICRI 37th General Meeting Youth Reflection document]
  Meeting Summary and Closing

[Evening] – Al Balad Visit

Friday 13th September 2024

[All Day] – Snorkelling Field Trip to the Red Sea (ICRI Members and invited observers)

ICRI Motions

• Motion to create an ICRI Youth ad hoc committee (download .pdf)
• Motion to create an ad hoc committee to support the development of a motion to the IUCN World Conservation Congress (download .pdf)

New Member Application

• Rare (download .pdf)

Youth Report

• Engaging, Empowering and Supporting Youth in Coral Reef Conservation, Towards a Healthy, Productive and Resilient Future #ForCoral (download .pdf)

Accommodation

The Crowne Plaza Jeddah Al Salam is now fully booked. Additional accommodation has been negotiated at the Holiday Inn Jeddah Gateway, and a free shuttle service to the ICRI General Meeting hosted hotel will be provided. A discounted room rate including breakfast has been negotiated at 550 SAR per night for single occupancy and 650 SAR for double occupancy (excluding 17.5% municipality tax and VAT).

How to book
To secure your room and to ensure availability, please email [email protected] with your requested dates. Please include “ICRI – Room Booking” in the subject line. You are encouraged to book your room ASAP. Please note, that the room will be charged upon arrival, and your booking can be adjusted prior to arrival.

Airport & Travel

The King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) is the main airport in Jeddah, the Kingdom’s second-biggest city.

Uber and taxi services as well as other forms of transport are available in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Visa Requirements

Please note ICRI is not responsible for obtaining participant VISAs and this is at the discretion of ICRI members to check all relevant information

Passport validity

If you are entering Saudi Arabia, your passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date you arrive.

Visas

All visitors need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. For more information visit: https://visa.visitsaudi.com/

ICRI recommend all participants apply for their VISAs well in advance. Should you require a letter of invitation, please contact the ICRI Secretariat as soon as possible.

Dress Code

Traditional Saudi outfit (Thobe or Abaya)  isn’t mandatory for guests, but please avoid tight or revealing clothing. In general, females and males should wear modest clothing that covers both knees and shoulders. Appearing in a public place in an immodest outfit or in clothing that displays pictures, shapes, signs, or phrases offensive to public taste is not permissible.

For the snorkelling field trip, females and males should wear a shorty or long wetsuit. Further guidance is provided in the graphic below.

Download the dress code information here.

Currency

The official currency of Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Arabian Riyal (SAR), which is abbreviated as ر.س or SAR. The Riyal is divided into 100 halalas.

Credit cards are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas in Saudi Arabia. However, it is recommended to carry some cash with you, especially when traveling to more rural areas or smaller towns where credit card acceptance may be limited.

Overall, the Saudi Arabian Riyal is a stable currency that is widely accepted in Saudi Arabia. Travelers should consider carrying some cash and exchanging foreign currency at reputable banks or exchange offices to ensure they receive fair exchange rates.

Language

Arabic

Monday 9th September 2024

Download the agenda (.pdf) (04/09/2024)

Concept Note

The predicted loss of the world’s coral reefs threatens the health and socio-economic well-being of hundreds of millions of people and could substantially disrupt multiple marine ecosystems. Yet, biodiversity hotspots continue to be prevalent throughout the world’s reef systems. A critical example of one of these hotspots is the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The Red Sea contains the most biologically diverse coral reef communities outside of Southeast Asia’s coral triangle and is one of the longest continuous living reefs in the world. Approximately 6% of coral species within the Red Sea are endemic, with other coral reef species, such as fishes, being much higher, making this region one of the most valuable repositories for marine biodiversity.

Coral reefs within the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden region cover 13,605 km², approximately 5.3% of the total global area of coral reefs. The coral reefs of the Red Sea provide food and a source of livelihood to a rapidly growing population of over 28 million people living along its coastline. Fisheries landed value is approximately US $230 million per year for the region, while annual revenues from tourism are over US $12 billion. The Red Sea extends to its most northern portion, into the Gulf of Aqaba, which has the potential to be one of the planet’s largest marine refuges from climate change due to the unique high thermal resilience of coral species.

In response to the recognition of the value of the region for the world’s coral reefs, there has been an increase in attention on the region, with multiple organizations, initiatives, and projects being established. These conservation actions seek to conserve, protect, and restore the region’s coral reefs.

Shams is at the forefront of this vital mission. With a mandate encompassing regulation, protection, and restoration, Shams is dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of the Red Sea’s coral reefs. By collaborating with local and international experts, Shams spearheads innovative initiatives to monitor, restore, and rehabilitate these essential marine habitats. These efforts not only safeguard biodiversity but also position Saudi Arabia as a global leader in coral reef and sea turtle conservation, setting a benchmark for marine conservation efforts worldwide.

The Forum, preceding the 38th ICRI General Meeting, will highlight the importance of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden’s coral reefs for global coral reef conservation efforts, showcasing the efforts being undertaken to understand and build future coral reef resilience to a rapidly changing ocean. It will emphasize the unique biogeography of the Red Sea, which has resulted in high endemism and heat-tolerant coral species, positioning the region as a potential refugia. It will also present an open forum for the exchange of views and experiences to sustainably manage coral reefs with a central focus on the coral reefs of the Saudi Arabian Red Sea.

At the end of the Forum, the key messages will be presented. These messages will be integrated to the
Motion on the Red Region to be table during the 38th ICRI General Meeting.

Please kindly note the ICRI 38 General Meeting is a closed meeting for ICRI members and invited observers only. If you are unsure on the registration please contact us.

The registration is now CLOSED.

Throughout the General Meeting, two field trips have been organised; a visit to Al Balad (Jeddah Historic District) and Snorkelling Trip. The details of both of these field trips are provided below.

Al Balad (Jeddah Historic District)

Date

This excursion will take place in the evening of Thursday 12th September 2024

Location

Al Balad

Al Balad is a UNESCO World Heritage Site also known as Jeddah Historic District. Al Balad was founded in the 7th century. It is a living history of more than 600 heritage buildings, 30 mosques and 5 historic markets.

For more information visit: https://www.visitalbalad.com/

Dress

Traditional Saudi outfit (Thobe or Abaya)  isn’t mandatory for guests, but please avoid tight or revealing clothing. In general, females and males should wear modest clothing that covers both knees and shoulders. Appearing in a public place in an immodest outfit or in clothing that displays pictures, shapes, signs, or phrases offensive to public taste is not permissible.

Download the dress code information here.

Schedule and Itinerary

[Evening]

• 17:30 – Pick up from Crowne Plaza Jeddah Al Salam Lobby
• 17:45 – Departure
• 18:15 – Arrival to Al Balad
• 18:15 – 20:30 – Free exploration time (2 tour guides will be available)
• 20:30 – Assemble at drop off point
• 20:45 – Depart Al Balad
• 21:15 – Arrival to Crowne Plaza Jeddah Al Salam

Abu Tair Snorkelling Trip

Date

The field trip will take place on Friday 13th September 2024.

Location

The Red Sea – A Hope Spot for coral
The Red Sea is recognised as a “hope spot” for its resilient coral reefs, which exhibit remarkable resistance to climate change and bleaching events. This resilience makes the Red Sea crucial for global coral conservation efforts, offering a potential blueprint for protecting and restoring coral ecosystems worldwide

Abu Tair, Jeddah Waters

Abu Tair, a top diving destination 24 km (13 nautical miles) southwest of Jeddah (21.69929N, 38.85345E), is famously known as Shipwreck Island. This site is home to the Greek shipwreck Staphonos, which sank in 1978. The area features a shallow reef flat that steeply drops between 70-80° to depths of around 14 meters.

The reef is rich with Pocillopora and Acropora corals, accompanied by schools of giant devil rays, goatfish and snappers. Visitors can also spot blue-spotted rays and green sea turtles. The wreck is home to a resident guitarfish, adding to the site’s unique marine life.

Dress

Traditional Saudi outfit (Thobe or Abaya)  isn’t mandatory for guests, but please avoid tight or revealing clothing. In general, females and males should wear modest clothing that covers both knees and shoulders. Appearing in a public place in an immodest outfit or in clothing that displays pictures, shapes, signs, or phrases offensive to public taste is not permissible.

For the snorkelling field trip, females and males should wear a shorty or long wetsuit. Wetsuits will be available as part of the field trip, if required. Further guidance is provided in the graphic below.

Download the dress code information here.

Schedule and Itinerary

[All Day] – Snorkelling Field trip

• 07:00 – Departure from the hotel to the marina.
• 07:30 – Arrival at the marina
• 08:00 – Boarding the boat in the marina.
• 08:15 – Departure of the boat to the Coast Guard station.
  Activity: The Coast Guard checks permits and identities against a passport list.
  Activity: During this time, participants choose the appropriate diving equipment set provided by the contractor.
• 09:00 – Departure from the Coast Guard station to Al Marjan Park.
• 09:45 – Arrive at Abu Tair for snorkelling.
  Activity: Briefing on safety, emergency procedures, diving procedures and marine life protection.
• 10:00 – First snorkelling session.
• 11:30 – Return to the ship.
• 12:00 – Lunch time.
• 13:00 – Preparing for the second snorkelling session.
• 13:30 – The second snorkelling session.
• 15:00 – Return to the ship.
• 15:30 – Departure from the diving site to the marina.
• 17:00 – Arrival to the marina and group disembarkation.
• 17:30 – Arrive at the hotel.

Images credited to Morgan Bennet at Red Sea Imaging