Source: UNClimateChange
Fiji Prime Minister urge for coral reef investment during at a side event organized by the Coral Reef Rescue Initiative during the UN Climate Change Conference.
Prime Minister Josaia V.Bainimarama mentioned that Fiji had put effort in fighting for the ocean in the United Nations Framework Convention .
He said that in order to cut carbon emissions, the resilience of reefs had to be rebuild.
He also mention that based on his observation, a well managed reefs lead to more resilient reefs, in which will be effective method to curb carbon emissions.
“This is ‘Code Red’ not only for coral reefs, but for our planet.” said professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, renowned climate change expert.
He pointed out that COP26 need to take action and keep average global temperature rise to as close to 1.5°C as possible to maintain a healthy ocean ; otherwise, as much as 70%-90% of corals will be lost by the end of century.”
Coral Reef Rescue Initiative Lead at WWF, Coral Phua said that it is needed to invest in strengthening the resilience of coral reefs with the strongest regeneration capacity to help secure the food, livelihoods, and well-being of millions of people.
She also said that they will join with climate and ocean finance agendas and drive significant investments in nature-based solutions that bring benefits to both people and nature.
The Coral Reef Rescue Initiative, a global partnership of conservation and development organizations such as Blue Ventures, CARE International, Rare, University of Queensland, Vulcan Inc, WCS, and WWF, is working with governments and communities in developing strategies for dealing with environmental stresses.
"Through science-based approach, the partners are implementing a collaborative strategy that aims to improve the conservation and management of coral reefs while strengthening the community through diversified skills and livelihood opportunities to help build their economic capacity." said Phuah.
Christian Severin, Senior Environmental Specialist at GEF International Waters said that GEF had deployed a scalable nature-based solution which is the Ridge to Reef approach that will help ensure sustainable blue economies which will benefit communities dependent on healthy thriving reefs.
The initiative’s work includes designing inclusive and equitable nature-based solutions in coral reef systems that support local actions that are women-led.
Karl Deering, Strategic Partnerships Lead at CARE International mentioned that human rights and good governance must be placed at the center of the climate issue.
As improved governance will empower the most affected groups, allowing them to implement, monitor, and amplify interventions of the coral reef.
According to the Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2020 report, 14% of the world’s reefs have disappeared since 2009 due to climate change and a range of local impacts.
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