Saving the Rainforests of the Sea: An Analysis of International Efforts to Conserve Coral Reefs

• Main Author: Mulhall, Marjorie
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2009
• Subjects: coral reefs; conservation; marine resources; oceans; ecosystems; Water Resource & Irrigation; Wildlife; Ocean acidification
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10535/5345

"This note outlines the principal threats faced by coral reefs, analyzes several main approaches the international community is employing to conserve reef ecosystems, and ultimately calls for a new international treaty wholly devoted to protecting these unique living structures. Part II describes the significance and benefits of reef ecosystems, as well as the basic biology of coral reefs. Part III focuses on the numerous threats imperiling coral reefs, including challenges associated with climate change and ocean acidification. Part IV discusses three current international approaches to reef conservation. Part V calls for the creation of a new international treaty devoted exclusively to coral reef protection, and recommends provisions this treaty must include to help fill the gaps in existing international approaches."