*EPF208 02/04/2003
Fact Sheet: Global Initiative Seeks to Stop Degradation of Coral Reefs
(ICRI placed plight of world's reefs on international agenda) (640)

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), a partnership of governments, civil society and organizations established in 1994, has led the effort to assess the health and improve the science-based management of coral reef ecosystems around the world, according to a January 31 State Department fact sheet.

Further information on the ICRI is available at www.icriforum.org

Following is the text of the fact sheet:

(begin fact sheet)

Fact Sheet
U.S. Department of State
Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs Washington, DC
January 31, 2003

The International Coral Reef Initiative

Purpose of the Initiative: The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), established in 1994, is a partnership among governments, civil society and organizations seeking to stop and reverse the global degradation of coral reefs and related ecosystems. Coral reef ecosystems, often referred to as the rainforests of the sea, are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. They provide food and employment for local populations, protect the shoreline and are a major tourist destination, providing a steady source of income for local communities. ICRI was founded by the United States in partnership with Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the World Bank and UNEP. The ICRI approach is to mobilize governments and a wide range of other stakeholders in an effort to improve management practices, increase capacity and political support, and share information on the health of these fragile ecosystems.

Resources: The U.S. government spends approximately $20 million annually on programs that support improved management and protection of international coral reefs through bilateral assistance to over 25 countries. In addition, approximately $2 million goes directly to ICRI or to ICRI-initiated coral programs such as the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and local workshops on reef protection and management.

Partnership Efforts to Date: ICRI placed the plight of the world's reefs on the world's agenda and has been the driving force behind international scientific, governmental and civil society efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems. ICRI activities have spurred successful regional and national efforts to protect coral reef ecosystems, for example by helping to establish marine protected areas in key coral reef regions, encouraging integrated coastal management and watershed management, and addressing land-based sources of pollution. USG commitments made through ICRI also led to the creation of the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force and a more coordinated approach to protection of our domestic reefs. ICRI has led the effort to improve science-based management of coral reef ecosystems, and to track and assess the health of coral reef ecosystems globally. One result is the Status of Coral Reefs of the World, produced bi-annually by the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network. Through ICRI, the U.S. is the largest contributor to this invaluable management tool. ICRI also provides guidance to the International Coral Reef Action Network, a partnership of UN organizations and civil society groups that is promoting and implementing improved reef conservation through the use of marine protected areas.

Partners: Governments -- for a complete list of government partners, go to www.icriforum.org. International Organizations and Agreements -- The Convention on Biological Diversity, The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, South Pacific Regional Environment Program, South Asia Co-operative Environment Program, The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Fisheries Department of Food and Agriculture organization, The United Nations Development Program, The United Nations Environment Program, The World Bank. Civil Society -- The Coral Reef Alliance, The World Conservation Union, Marine Aquarium Council, Reef Check, World Wide Fund, The World Fish Center/International Center for Living Aquatic Resources Management, World Resources Institute, United Nations Foundation, International Society for Reef Studies.

(end fact sheet)

(Distributed by the Office of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov)

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