| Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC February 20, 2002 Roundtable on International Coral Reef ProgramsOn Thursday, February 21, a panel of experts from the U.S. government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) will meet to analyze the causes and consequences of the coral reef crisis, and the potential roles that the government and NGOs can play in addressing this crisis. This meeting will be held at The Smithsonian Institution S. Dillon Ripley Center, Room 3111, between the hours of 1:30 and 4:00 PM. The experts will examine possible solutions to reduce the threats to these unique ecosystems, while promoting long-term benefits to local communities who depend upon reef resources for food security, livelihoods and coastal protection. This Roundtable on International Coral Reefs will be sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. Agency for International Development and the Smithsonian Institution and include senior government decision makers and NGO executives and experts. Dr. Sylvia Earle, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and former Chief Scientist of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will be the plenary speaker at the event. The discussion will center on reinvigorating and improving the focus of important reef saving initiatives already under way, as well as innovative new approaches and partnerships. Coral reefs around the world are in crisis. Over 25% of corals reefs in the world have already been lost, and another 30% are seriously threatened and may die -- from increases in sea temperatures, overfishing, destructive fishing practices, unsound coastal development, and international trade, as reported by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network in their report, Status of the Coral Reefs of the World: 2000. Although covering only one percent of the world’s oceans, coral reefs contribute on average one-quarter of total fish catch in developing countries. However, globally, 58 percent of the world's reefs are at risk from human activities, and many have been damaged beyond recovery. Coral communities represent one of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems in the world. They are also important socially and culturally to many nations and entire regions. According to one estimate, coral reefs provide almost $375 billion worth of economic benefits to humans, from living resources such as fish, as well as from tourism and coastal protection. For more information, contact: |
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