The summit, hosted by the Indonesian government in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), focused on actionable steps to reverse coral degradation, which has destroyed over half of the planet’s reefs since 1950, according to recent UN data. “Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea—they support 25% of marine species and provide livelihoods for 500 million people worldwide,” said UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen in her opening address. “This summit is not about empty promises; it’s about turning commitments into on-the-ground action.”
Key agreements include a $200 million fund for reef restoration projects in vulnerable regions like the Great Barrier Reef, the Caribbean and Southeast Asia, as well as stricter regulations on coastal pollution and overfishing. Australia announced plans to expand its coral breeding programs, while the Philippines committed to banning destructive fishing practices within 50 kilometers of reef habitats by next year.
Scientists warned that time is running out. “Coral bleaching events, driven by ocean warming, have become five times more frequent since the 1980s,” noted Dr. Maria Santos, a marine biologist from the Australian Institute of Marine Science. “We need immediate action to reduce carbon emissions and protect these ecosystems before they collapse entirely.”
Local communities are also stepping up: Indonesian fishermen in Bali have started community-led reef patrols, while young activists in Fiji are using social media to raise awareness about reef conservation. “This is a global fight, but it starts with local action,” said 22-year-old Fijian activist Lila Naidu.
The summit closed with a joint declaration urging all nations to integrate coral protection into their climate policies. While challenges remain, participants expressed cautious optimism. “This is the first time we’ve seen such unified global action for coral reefs,” said Andersen. “Now we must deliver—and deliver fast.”
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