International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)

🚨 Coral reefs are currently experiencing their worst-ever global bleaching event, with the Fourth Global Bleaching Event (#4GBE) pushing corals to their limit – threatening the foundations of ocean biodiversity 📣  In order to implement effective, collaborative solutions #ForCoral to ensure a future for #coralreefs, we need to understand their status and trends on regional and global scales. 🪸To achieve this, the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) is currently calling for data contributions to produce its seventh global assessment - the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025” report. Learn more about the #GCRMN, the Status of Coral Reefs of the World series, and how to contribute your coral reef monitoring data for this global effort through 2 webinars being hosted this month! The webinars will dive into the process of data collation and integration, and provide a valuable space to discuss how the data are used, stored and analysed 📊 You can register for the webinars below, or visit www.gcrmn.net/2025-report for more information: 🌎 Webinar 1: 08:00 EST (UTC -5), Tuesday 12 Nov. 2024 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/egMrzRgt 🌏 Webinar 2: 10:00 AEDT (UTC +11), Wednesday 13 Nov. 2024 ➡️ https://lnkd.in/e2MksqJs Live translation into English, French & Spanish will be available 🗣️ Given the urgency to conserve coral reefs, the GCRMN is an essential mechanism for Governments, organisations and the coral community to take stock of the world’s reefs 🌎 #WorldCoralReefStatus

📣 New webinar on "Coral Reef Restoration: Challenges and Innovations 📣 🪸 Join a diverse panel of experts in #coralrestoration, ecology, socio-economics, and technology to discuss the pressing challenges and promising solutions for restoring and safeguarding #coralreefs. The webinar will take place on 12 November 12 at 7 PM EST, and is organised by editors at Trends in Ecology and Evolution, One Earth Cell Press and Cell Reports Sustainability The webinar will foster an open conversation on the scientific, socio-economic, and technological hurdles we face in coral reef restoration, as well as to explore collaborative ways of overcoming these obstacles 📊   Webinar Details: 📆 Tuesday November 12th 🕖 7 PM EST 🖥️ Big Marker   ➡️ Registration: https://lnkd.in/eKQmwN8b If you are unable to join the live event, please feel to register and a recording of the event will be shared a few days later. #ForCoral

🪸 ICRI at CBD COP16 🪸 International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has been a long-term partner to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) UN Biodiversity, and its formation was announced at the inaugural Conference of the Parties to the CBD, on 7th December 1️⃣9️⃣9️⃣4️⃣ by its 8 founding countries. 🌊 At the occasion of COP16 Colombia, ICRI’s involvement was therefore essential in elevating #coralreefs in the global #biodiversity agenda. 💙 Coral reefs were also a topic of #discussion during the negotiations. The ICRI Secretariat welcomes the acknowledgment of #coralreefs in the Programme of Work for the #conservation and #sustainable use of marine and coastal #biodiversity which not only sets new #priorities of action, calling on efforts to improve understanding on ocean acidification and warming to enhance #resilience but also to: 🔹 Recognise the deep concern for the increased frequency of mass coral #bleaching and the increasing risk of irreversible loss of coral reefs; and 🔹 Urges Parties, other Governments and relevant organisations to #accelerate implementation of priority actions for coral reefs. Read the decision ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eHNY-TkW Learn more about the #ForCoral pavilion and other #impactful events #ForCoral in the ICRI November Newsletter 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eTUQqvrq

We were proud to co-organise, alongside BNP Paribas, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs, Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance, and other partners, the launch event of the first impact loan facility for coral reef conservation at COP16 Colombia. 🌊 Learn more about the facility: https://lnkd.in/eFU7u3wE The event took place in the #ForCoral Pavilion, generously hosted by the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) and co-sponsors. UBS Optimus Foundation #COP16Colombia #COP16 #SCIFF #SustainableFinance #BlueEconomy #CoralReefs #ForCoral #NatureIsAlsoBlue #BlueFinance #ImpactInevsting

🌍 La COP16 Colombia a également été l’opportunité pour l’Institut océanographique et ses partenaires de présenter le Conservatoire Mondial du Corail, lors d’un évènement hébergé par l’International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI).   Ce projet ambitieux, co-créé par l’Institut océanographique, le CENTRE SCIENTIFIQUE DE MONACO et la Fondation Prince Albert II de Monaco, vise à préserver 1000 espèces de #coraux menacées et à soutenir la recherche sur leur résilience face au changement climatique. Cette « Arche de Noé des coraux » pourrait également contribuer à la restauration des récifs impactés par des épisodes de blanchissement.   🪸 Véritables oasis de vie, les récifs coralliens, couvrant à peine 0,2 % des océans, abritent pourtant près de 30 % de la biodiversité marine ! Ils sont aussi parmi les plus vulnérables face au réchauffement climatique...   ➡ L’urgence est là et cette initiative collaborative appelle à une forte mobilisation de tous : chercheurs, aquariums et institutions… pour identifier les espèces prioritaires et établir des protocoles scientifiques rigoureux, afin de garantir un avenir durable pour les récifs coralliens !   Ce projet bénéficie du mécénat de la Fondation Veolia #COP16Colombia #COP16 #NatureIsAlsoBlue #CBDCOP16 #ForCorals #CoralConservation #ClimateAction

With #coral currently experiencing its worst-ever global bleaching event and the growing danger of a collapse of the planet’s coral reef ecosystem, an Emergency Special Session was held at #COP16 in Cali yesterday. Organised by #UNDP, #ICRI and Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) the meeting was attended by government representatives, IGOs and NGOs. The world is now well aware of the existential threats and damage we’re putting on coral, and the man-made causes thereof - from global/ocean warming, to source-to-sea pollution and our many coral-harming marine activities. The question is what are we going to do about it? #GFCR is the leading mechanism established to drive coral reef action globally. Managed by UNDP, the action required to protect and restore coral reefs has been identified by GFCR, and necessary measures are being financially supported in coral countries around the world. GFCR needs regular replenishment of funds to carry out these tasks. To this effect a special pledging session for coral reefs will be held at #UNOC3 - the 3rd UN Ocean Conference, 9-13 June next year in Nice, France. In particular, those countries primarily responsible for greenhouse gases warming the planet, should bring their best abilities to the special pledging session in Nice. Thank you #New #Zealand for announcing this week a $10 million payment to GFCR. From a relatively small country, this is a generous donation indicating clear recognition of coral’s plight. It’s time for bigger countries to follow New Zealand’s good example. International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) Global Fund for Coral Reefs United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) Friends of Ocean Action Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

🌊 Day 10 - #ForCoral Pavilion Highlights! 🌊 Here’s a recap of today’s inspiring events, amazing insights, and powerful partnerships! 💡 🌎 💙 Lets be Nice to Coral Reefs brought together passionate voices on #coralreef protection with a spotlight on engaging civil society. Big thanks to Peter Thomson and Remi Parmentier for leading this essential dialogue! 🌎 Actioning Blue: A Caribbean 30×30 Vision for the Ocean hosted by Caribbean Biodiversity Fund was a dynamic session that united #regional leaders to discuss how Small Island Developing States (SIDS) can access the financing needed to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (#KMGBF). With insights from: 🔹 🌐 Head of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States OECS Environmental Sustainability Division 🔹 💸 Kevin McCall, Senior Environmental Specialist at The World Bank 🔹 🤝 David Meyers, Director Conservation Finance Alliance donors.   The Kelp Forest Alliance launched the State of the World’s Kelp Forests, a first-of-its-kind #report on these invaluable ecosystems. Valued at 💲 500B annually, kelp forests are #biodiversity powerhouses, fighting climate change and supporting local #economies. But they face urgent threats from climate change and overfishing. 🤝 Global Restoration Movement: Partnerships & Synergies Panel 🌱 Francis joined #restoration leaders on "Restoration Day" to share insights and expand collaborative efforts on #coral and #coastal ecosystem restoration. So far, the #ForCoral Pavilion has welcomed over 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ visitors! 🚨 Lastly, the Emergency Special Session on #coralreefs convened by H.E. Ambassador Peter Thomson, International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) and the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) issued an urgent call to #action for world leaders to intensify efforts to increase #financial support to safeguard the functional existence of coral reefs. Chair Brenda Mallory issued the need for more #urgent coral reef discussions to ensure a future with healthy, vibrant reefs 🪸 #NatureIsAlsoBlue General Organization for Conservation of Coral Reefs and Turtles in the Red Sea - shams

📢 NEW RELEASE 📢 🌊🌴 Mesoamerican Reef 2024 Report Card 🐠🪸 The latest Mesoamerican Reef Report Card by Healthy Reefs for Healthy People (HRHP) is out! This release is the result of 7️⃣0️⃣ + organizations united across Mexico 🇲🇽 , Belize 🇧🇿 , Guatemala 🇬🇹 , and Honduras 🇭🇳 , working together as the Healthy Reefs Initiative (HRI) to protect the Mesoamerican Reef. With invaluable contributions from 93 data collectors 🌐 and 42 dedicated organizations 🐟, this report gives a full view of the reef's current #health. The findings offer a mix of hope and urgency #ForCoral, despite some improvements, the overall health of the reef system is fragile and facing increasing #threats 🪸 Read More ➡️ https://lnkd.in/esGuXUPD

🌊 #ForCoral Pavilion Update – Day Highlights from COP16 Colombia 🌊 Four impactful events took the stage today: 1️⃣ The day kicked off with Healthy Reefs for Healthy People with the release of the 2024 Report Card, showing a promising improvement in the Mesoamerican Reef’s #health for the first time in five years, though the overall grade remains "poor." This was followed by presentations on the Caribbean by SPAW-RAC and an update from #ICRI on the next #GCRMN Global Status of Coral reefs of the World Report 2️⃣ The Coral Reefs of the High Seas Coalition and Conservation International showcased expert insights on vital marine sites, emphasising the importance of #highseas coral reefs and the partnerships securing their protection. 3️⃣ The Commonwealth Blue Charter event focused on enhancing ocean and climate #resilience by building capacity and exploring innovative financing solutions for marine conservation. 4️⃣ Our colleagues from Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) highlighted efforts in the Pacific region, showcasing strategies to safeguard #coralreefs and improve the #resilience and health of reef ecosystems. 🪸 🐟 Additionally, Margaux Monfared (International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) participated in a press conference alongside Ambassador Peter Thomson and Pierre Bardoux-Chesneau, Global Fund for Coral Reefs, addressing the urgency of increased #funding to ensure a future with #coralreefs at the UN Biodiversity COP16 Colombia conference. Watch the urgent call to #action ➡️ https://lnkd.in/eD97ncig 🚨 Do not forget the Emergency Special Session for Coral Reefs which will convene state and private sector representatives, as well as members of the press #ForCoral 🗓️ 30 October 🕟 16:30 📍 Large Blue Zone Official COP16 Side Event Room (Subnational & LocaL Governments Room, Plaza One) Learn more 🔗 https://lnkd.in/exgFwsWN. Come and check out the #ForCoral Pavilion during the last few days at COP16 as we still have some exciting events to come ➡️ https://lnkd.in/emcSM9Ty

🌊 Another incredibly fruitful day at the #ForCoral Pavilion! 🪸 💡 We kicked off with Ocean Risk and Resilience Action Alliance Coastal Risk Index (CRI), an innovative tool designed to #empower policymakers, investors, insurers, and infrastructure leaders with critical insights into ocean risks. This ground-breaking model highlights the importance of Nature-based Solutions in building cost-effective coastal resilience. 🌎 📊 Next, we saw the unveiling of a new report commissioned by the Bloomberg Philanthropies Ocean Fund in partnership with Campaign for Nature, Marine Conservation Institute, and SkyTruth. The report, "Off Track or On Course? Assessing Progress Toward Achieving the 30x30 Target in the Ocean," provides an in-depth look at our journey toward conserving 30% of the ocean by 2️⃣0️⃣3️⃣0️⃣. 🧬 The Great Barrier Reef Foundation led a session bringing together voices from #science, #finance, and #conservation practice to explore how coral biodiversity science should support innovative #financial solutions for reef conservation, including coral biodiversity credits, stewardship incentives, insurance products, and more. 🐠 🐡 🐟 🦈 To conclude, the Global Fund for Coral Reefs convened a powerful, high-level discussion underscoring the urgency of accelerating resilience-based strategies to safeguard coral reef ecosystems for generations to come! Have you just arrived to the UN Biodiversity COP16 Colombia? Why not check out the #ForCoral Pavilion and dive into the discussions with an agenda for a global audience ➡️ https://lnkd.in/gp_crwYV