Parameter

Details

Current Risk to Reef-Building Corals

44% of reef-building coral species are at risk of extinction as per the latest IUCN assessment.

Previous Risk (2008)

33% of reef-building coral species were at risk of extinction.

Primary Threat

Climate change is identified as the largest threat to coral species.

Other Threats

Pollution, agricultural runoff, disease, and unsustainable fishing.

Data Sources

IUCN assessments used data from the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and IPCC reports.

Number of Coral Species Assessed

892 species of warm-water reef-building corals were assessed.

Vulnerability Categories

Vulnerable: 56 species (15%)

Endangered: 251 species (67%)

Critically Endangered: 33 species (9%)

Endangered Species

Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis) and Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).

Importance of Coral Reefs

Vital for marine biodiversity, coastal protection, fisheries, and tourism.

Economic Value of Coral Reefs

Generate approximately $375 billion annually through tourism and related industries.

Dependence on Coral Reefs

About 500 million people rely on coral reef ecosystems for food and income.

Impact of Coral Loss

Increases vulnerability of coastal communities to storms, hurricanes, and rising sea levels.

Recent Global Coral Bleaching Event

The largest on record, affecting around 80% of coral reefs globally due to climate change.

Funding Gap for Coral Conservation

Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) has secured only $30 million out of a $12 billion target.

Urgency for Action

Immediate action needed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase funding for coral resilience.

Broader Biodiversity Crisis

28% of assessed species are threatened, including 41% of amphibians, 37% of sharks/rays, and 26% of mammals.

Next Key Event for Coral Conservation

2025 UN Ocean Conference to be held in France in June.

Type

An international organization, a global union of government and civil society organizations.

Members

Over 1,400 organizations.

Establishment Year and Location

1948, Fontainebleau, France

Primary Objective

Promote international cooperation and provide scientific knowledge/tools to support conservation action.

Focus Area

Conservation of flora and fauna species globally.

Notable Achievement

Established the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species in 1964.

Role in International Conventions

Contributed to the formation of major conventions such as:
Ramsar Convention on Wetlands

• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES)
• World Heritage Convention
• Convention on Biological Diversity

Status

Recognized as an international authority on the status of the natural world.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Coral reefs are considered one of the most diverse and sensitive ecosystems on Earth. However, they are facing multiple threats due to climate change and unsustainable human activities. Discuss the current crisis faced by coral reefs globally and the key factors contributing to their decline. (250 words)