International Year of the Reef 2008
Call to action - help protect threatened coral reefs. Take part during International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2008, a year-long campaign to raise awareness about coral reefs and the threats facing these vibrant ecosystems.
Now is the time to get involved. For the first time in history the IUCN (World Conservation Union) Red List of Threatened Species includes corals in its annual report of wildlife going extinct – climate change being named one of the biggest threats to marine life by IUCN scientists. Additional research indicates more than half the world’s coral reefs could die in the next 25 years. Healthy reefs are tremendously valuable to ecosystems, human health and global economies.
Divers, Snorkelers and Ecotourists:
Monitor coral reefs – find a registered Project AWARE CoralWatch Operator and volunteer for coral reef monitoring. The information you collect will be used to answer important scientific questions about coral reef bleaching and recovery.
- Volunteer for a reef cleanup – find a reef cleanup in your area or volunteer for one during your next dive vacation. Use your underwater skills and be part of the effort to remove harmful marine debris from reef environments.
- Be an AWARE Diver – dive carefully in fragile ecosystems, control your buoyancy, be aware of equipment placement and monitor your body positioning to avoid any contact with reefs. For more tips see Project AWARE’s Ten Ways a Diver can Protect the Underwater Environment and 10 Tips for Underwater Photographers.
Dive Professionals and Conservation Managers:
- Become a Project AWARE CoralWatch Operator – register with Project AWARE and contribute regular data on coral reefs. Inspire your network of divers to act on climate change monitoring coral stress, bleaching and recovery. You will receive a CoralWatch Operator Kit specifically developed for dive professionals that includes all the tools you need to organize monitoring activities with divers and snorkelers of all levels.
- Organize a reef cleanup – register with Project AWARE to coordinate an underwater cleanup. Help restore local reefs and engage your community in collecting data to combat marine debris. Project AWARE will provide tools and supplies specific to your event. Request a Beach and Underwater Cleanup Guide on CD-ROM more details.
- Be an Eco Operator – demonstrate your commitment to conservation and follow Project AWARE’s Eco Operator Guidelines. Ensure sustainable business practices and encourage visitors and the community to minimize their impact on the environment.
Project AWARE, an organizational focal point for IYOR 2008, is working with international governments, environmental and educational organizations to support initiatives that:
- Increase awareness about the value of coral reefs and reef ecosystems
- Increase understanding about coral reef threats and possible solutions
- Help implement improved management strategies, conservation and sustainable interactions with coral reef ecosystems.
Stay tuned to the Hot Issues section of this website as well as the official IYOR 08 website for the latest news updates and other global coral reef conservation topics.
IYOR AWARE Kids Art Contest • IYOR Certification Card • AWARE - Coral Reef Conservation Specialty Course