INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF INITIATIVE (ICRI)

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Context: To protect and restore Coral reef ecosystems, the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) announced a plan to raise $12 billion from public and private sources.

Details

• The effort to protect coral reefs through an alliance of nations raising $12 billion is certainly a positive step in addressing the threats facing these vital ecosystems. Coral reefs are indeed under significant stress due to factors like climate change, pollution, and overfishing.
• The goal of the ICRI to "secure the future" of 125,000 square kilometres of shallow-water tropical coral reefs and to double the areas under effective protection by the end of the decade is an ambitious and important objective.

International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)

About

• The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) is a global partnership with the primary goal of preserving coral reefs and related ecosystems worldwide.
• It was founded in 1994 by eight governments: Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. ICRI has since expanded to include over 100 members, including both nations and organizations.

Objectives

• ICRI's foremost objective is to promote the adoption of best practices in the sustainable management of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. This involves developing and sharing strategies to protect these fragile environments. This includes measures to mitigate the human-induced stresses that are causing significant degradation to coral reefs.
• ICRI is committed to enhancing the capacity of nations and organizations to effectively manage and conserve coral reefs. This includes providing training, technical assistance, and resources to support reef management efforts, especially in developing nations.
• ICRI plays a crucial role in raising global awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the threats they face. By engaging at all levels, from local communities to international organizations, ICRI helps highlight the significance of coral reefs to environmental sustainability, food security, and social and cultural well-being.

ICRI's operational framework includes

• Integrated Management: ICRI promotes integrated approaches to reef management that consider ecological, economic, and social aspects. This holistic approach ensures that reef management decisions take into account the interplay between environmental conservation, economic interests, and the well-being of local communities.
• Science: ICRI supports scientific research and monitoring to better understand coral reefs and their ecosystems. This scientific knowledge is crucial for informed decision-making and conservation efforts.
• Capacity Building: Building the capacity of nations and organizations to manage and conserve coral reefs effectively is a cornerstone of ICRI's work. This includes providing training, technical support, and resources to equip stakeholders with the necessary tools and knowledge.
• Review: ICRI regularly reviews its progress and outcomes to adapt and improve its efforts. This adaptive management approach allows the initiative to respond effectively to changing circumstances and emerging challenges.

Operational Structure

• ICRI operates through a Secretariat, which is hosted by member states for a specific term (typically around two years). The Secretariat is responsible for advancing ICRI's objectives through a specific Plan of Action. It also organizes General Meetings of Members at least annually and may organize side events at major international summits and conferences to raise awareness of ICRI's work.
• ICRI functions on the ground through its networks and committees, which can organize regional meetings and workshops on specific topics related to coral reef conservation. Member states may choose to implement ICRI's objectives through National Coral Reef Initiatives, aligning their efforts with the global partnership's goals.

Conclusion

• ICRI is a collaborative global initiative that works towards the preservation of coral reefs and related ecosystems by promoting sustainable management practices, capacity building, and raising awareness about the vital role of coral reefs in environmental, economic, and social well-being. It operates through a network of member nations and organizations, guided by its foundational documents and core principles.

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Coral reefs: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/coral-reefs-7

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the primary environmental factors and human activities that threaten the health and sustainability of coral reefs, and what conservation measures can be taken to protect these vital marine ecosystems?