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ITMEMS 3
Global Problems, Local Solutions
Cozumel, Mexico
16-20 October 2006
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The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a partnership among governments, international organizations, and non-government organizations which strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems by implementing Chapter 17 of Agenda 21, and other relevant international conventions and agreements.
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Ministry of the Environment (MOE) addresses the whole environmental issues in Japan. The Nature Conservation Bureau of the Ministry is in charge of all activities regarding the conservation of natural environments including the domestic and international coral reefs and related ecosystems. |
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The National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and The Department of the Interior co-chair the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force. The U.S. Coral Reef Task Force was established by Presidential Executive Order in 1998 to lead U.S. efforts to preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. Through the coordinated efforts of its members, including representatives of 12 federal agencies, the governors of seven states and territories, and the leaders of the Freely Associated States, the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force has helped lead U.S. efforts to protect and manage valuable coral reef ecosystems in the U.S. and internationally. The NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program (CRCP) supports effective management and sound science to preserve, sustain and restore valuable coral reef ecosystems. The CRCP is a partnership between the NOAA Offices working on coral reef issues, including the National Ocean Service (NOS), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research (OAR) and the National Environmental Satellites, Data and Information Service (NESDIS).
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The Office of Environmental Response and Coordination is the operational focal point for the United Nations Conventions on climate change, biological diversity, ozone depletion, and desertification. The Office assists in the development of policy, strategies, projects, and sources support for government and non-government programs and activities to promote the sustainable use and management of Palau's natural resources. In addition, the OERC is the contact focal point for the United States Coral Reef Task Force and ICRI.
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The Cozumel National Marine Park was established in July 1996. It seeks to protect and conserve the biodiversity of one of Mexico's most important reef systems, which is visited by thousands of tourists and divers each year. |
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The International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN) works with a diverse network of partners for targeted action to halt and reverse the decline in the health of the world's coral reefs.
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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. 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.
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