International Year of the Reef 2008
This year is the International Year of the Reef.
The International Year of the Reef 2008 (IYOR 2008) is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them. All individuals, corporations, schools, governments, and organizations are welcome and actively encouraged to participate in IYOR 2008.
The International Year of the Reef was first declared in 1997. IYOR 1997 was a global effort to raise awareness and understanding of our coral reefs and the increasing threats they are facing.
In 1997, IYOR had over 225 organizations in 50 countries participating. There were over 700 articles published in newspapers and magazines. Hundreds of surveys were undertaken.
IYOR 2008 aims to:
- Strengthen awareness about the ecological, economic, social and cultural value of coral reefs and associated ecosystems
- Improve understanding of the critical threats to coral reefs and generate both practical and innovative solutions to reduce these threats
- Generate urgent action at all levels to develop and implement effective management strategies for conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.
For more information on IYOR, check out the official IYOR website.
Tags: coral reefs, Global Warming, great barrier reef, water monitoring
