Recent coral response events have highlighted the urgent need for integrated response planning to address the threats facing coral reefs. With coral bleaching, disease outbreaks, and other stressors on the rise due to climate change and human activities, coordinated efforts among scientists, policymakers, conservationists, and local communities are essential to mitigate the impacts and ensure the long-term survival of these vital ecosystems. Integrated response planning aims to synergize research, conservation actions, and policy measures to enhance coral resilience and facilitate adaptive management strategies in the face of ongoing environmental challenges.
Coral colonies may stay in the same place for thousands of years, but these sessile organisms spend their early life as mobile larvae. These larvae can disperse tens to hundreds of kilometers, shaping the genetic diversity of coral reefs. Similarly, fish and invertebrate species impact coral reef ecosystem dynamics and local communities as they traverse seascapes as larvae and adults. Understanding coral reef connectivity and using this information in management decisions, such as designing marine protected area networks, can be a powerful tool to build resilience.
This webinar explores two different approaches to gain insight into coral reef connectivity: a hydrodynamic model and a population genetic lens. Experts will present on the two techniques, including what these techniques can and cannot tell us, and showcase how each approach has been used to support management in the Pacific Islands. These presentations will help marine managers understand which approach may work best for the scale, budget, and timeline of their decision-making process.
The impacts of land-based sources of pollution on coral reefs are profound and multifaceted, contributing significantly to their degradation worldwide. Runoff containing sediment, nutrients, pesticides, and industrial waste from human activities such as agriculture, urban development, and manufacturing can lead to sedimentation, nutrient enrichment, and chemical contamination in reef environments. These pollutants disrupt the delicate balance of coral reef ecosystems, causing coral bleaching, reduced growth rates, altered species compositions, and increased susceptibility to diseases. Additionally, land-based pollution can exacerbate the effects of climate change and ocean acidification, further jeopardising the health and resilience of coral reefs, which are vital marine ecosystems supporting diverse marine life and providing essential ecosystem services. Addressing these sources of pollution through improved land-use practices, wastewater management, and policy interventions is crucial for the preservation and restoration of coral reef ecosystems.
ICRI recently released a “Guide for integrating coral reefs and associated ecosystems into NBSAPs”, accompanied by 3 case studies from the Philippines, Palau and France. Integrating coral reefs into NBSAPS is crucial for their conservation, protection, and restoration, especially in light of the recent announcement by NOAA and ICRI regarding the fourth global coral bleaching event. The webinar aims to support the implementation of the guidelines – equipping coral reef countries with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively integrate coral reefs into their NBSAPs, in turn supporting the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Over the 90 minutes, speakers will showcase the guidance and its contents, including the 3 case studies, as well as financial support for the implementation of NBSAPs and the NBSAP Forum.
The guidance, case studies and summary are available to download here: https://icriforum.org/documents/icri-coral-reefs-nbsaps/
Following the recent announcement by NOAA and ICRI on April 15th regarding the 4th Global Coral Bleaching Event – the second in a decade – this webinar aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of coral bleaching on local and global scales. This global event requires global action and ICRI and its members continue to advance coral interventions and restoration in the face of climate change.
During this 2 hour webinar hear about the current status of coral bleaching from coral reef regions and countries (USA, Australia, the Red Sea, the Western Indian Ocean, the Caribbean, Brazil, and France) and the role of the global coral reef community to secure a future for coral reefs.
Coming soon
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This Webinar Series is hosted with the financial support of The Government of Sweden, and the Principality of Monaco.
