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Coral reefs and
associated ecosystems are invaluable human treasures. They support the most
diverse marine communities and beautiful seascapes on the planet, and
provide wave-resistant structures and resources for local communities,
fisheries, and tourism. However, coral reefs and associated ecosystems are
now under serious threat of collapse because of over fishing, development
of the coastal zone, including dredging and landfill, and terrestrial
run-off. Moreover, the increase in sea surface temperatures, the decrease
in carbonate levels as well as sea-level rise, caused by increasing
anthropogenic CO2 in the atmosphere, all act synergistically to
stress coral reefs, which lead to severe bleaching and extensive coral
mortality. The degradation of coral reefs by local, regional, and global
environmental stresses is at the very least destroying the health,
function, and positive values associated with coral reefs, and at the worst
leading to loss of this treasure.
We, the participants of the 10th International Coral Reef Symposium (28
June to 2 July, 2004, Okinawa, Japan) acknowledge that the degradation of
coral reefs worldwide has now reached a critical stage. We declare in the
strongest terms that additional destruction of coral reefs must be avoided
and more effort is necessary to prevent further reef demise. Conservation
and restoration of coral reefs should be made without delay in each nation
acting individually and in concert through closer international
cooperation. To this end, we advocate scientific research and rigorous
monitoring, management-tool development, and appropriate measures for
conservation and sustainable use of coral reefs. In addition,
scientifically sound restoration measures for already-degraded coral reefs
must be applied.
A twin strategy must be taken over the longer term to reduce human induced
climate change by reducing green-house gases, but at the same time a
reduction in CO2 must be matched by action to reduce immediate
threats of declining water quality because of land-use changes and
pollution, and mass exploitation of fish biomass. To achieve these goals,
we recommend four key strategies: 1) achieve sustainable fishery on coral
reefs, 2) increase effective marine protected areas on coral reefs, 3)
ameliorate land-use change impacts, and 4) develop technology for coral
reef restoration. Such efforts must be fostered and sustained through
stewardship and cooperation among scientists, managers, policymakers,
non-governmental organizations, and the general public. The task must be
enhanced through international linkages among the principal global
scientific body (International Society for Reef Studies [ISRS]), the main
international management initiative (International Coral Reef Initiative
[ICRI]), as well as leading international organizations (e.g. UNESCO, UNEP,
IUCN) and NGOs.
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As participants in the
10th International Coral Reef Symposium, we collectively appeal to all
researchers, managers, users, and lovers of coral reefs to accomplish the
above tasks, and we urge relevant international organizations, national
governments, and NGOs to find common understanding and means to collaborate
towards this goal.
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