Progress report for
Improving Coral Reefs Protection for Effective Conservation
Achievement at a glance
The Foundation ICRI Colombia and its Observatory Pro Coral Reefs has helped the Colombian Government to accomplish Aichi Biodiversity Target 10, which aims to minimize the multiple anthropogenic pressures on coral reefs and other vulnerable ecosystems impacted by climate change or ocean acidification so as to maintain their integrity and functioning: The 100% of coral reefs of Colombia during IYOR 2018 were included under a protection framework.The last two coral reef areas that were protected at international level are the Hope Spots #AreaMarinaProtegidaArrecifesCapurganaCaboTiburon and #VaraderoColombia. Currently, according to our monitoring program and #CitizenScience Research, both protected areas still have healthy coral cover 70% and 80% respectively despite the risks and threats that face.We recently celebrate #EarthDay2019 at the #HopeSpot https://mission-blue.org/2018/10/capurgana-and-cabo-tiburon-declared-a-hope-spot-in-support-of-leatherback-sea-turtles/ with a Clean up campaign with a local school and a meeting with national and local authorities planning with the community and Tourism and fisheries sectors to implement the regulations to harmonize with the Frontier of Panama. Our volunteer commitment before United Nations #OceanAction14819 is also being implemented with relevant alliances with the tourism sector and the Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality Industry sharing the good news of these Hope spots with an audience of aprox 60000 people around the world.The photos are evidence of Healthy coral reefs with Herbivory, fisheries resources and biological resources, natural restoration and recruitment and very low macroalgae cover, very low incidence of diseases for you to choose the ones that you want to use in the newsletter. This is a control site for the experiments on artificial restoration of the rest of the Caribbean Sea. To learn more about our case studies and social work with the communities, please follow us on https://www.facebook.com/ICRI.COLOMBIA/ and Twitter: Espaol @ArrecifesCoral / English @ICRIcolombiaChallenges faced in implementation
Involving the community and authorites was a challenge. Fortunately was overcome, although it needs to be permanent updated to inform new regulations and to receive and inform reports from our volunteer observers of the coral reefs, in order to take actions when there are infractors or accidents that threat coral reefs.Funding was available when we reach donors. However, is very scarce. Volunteers also help us as well as the communities, fishers and tourism sector.Beneficiaries
In general, the world, the Caribbean region and the country and the local fishers communities of the coral reef areas in Colombia. The local business that depend on the healthy coral reefs as tourism and divers operators and artisanal fisheries enterprises and associations.The inhabitants of the coral reef areas and visitors.Our audience on social media who view and share our photos and videos of the healthy coral reefs.