END OF YEAR REPORT 1 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 3 International Contents 04 06 38 Foreword Activities & Events In 2019 A note from the coordinator of the 3rd IYOR 07 - December 2017 Year of the Reef 08 - January 2018 41 05 10 - February Apps related Background 12 - March to reefs The logo 14 - April The International 16 - May Initiative 18 - World Oceans Day End of year celebrations in support 42 of IYOR 2018 Conclusion 20 - June 22 - July 24 - August 44 26 - September Acronyms report 28 - October 30 - November 34 - December 45 Acknowledgements

Citation: Rumsey, C. and F. Staub, (Eds.). 2019. End of Year report: International Year of the Reef 2018. International Coral Reef Initiative.

END OF YEAR 2 REPORT 4 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 5 Foreword Background A NOTE FROM THE COORDINATOR THE THIRD INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF I would like to thank every person, organization, adorned with “save the coral reefs”. Every single event THE IYOR nation and government who was involved in the and single person involved made a difference, which At their thirty first General Meeting (Paris, France) in The goals for the 2018 IYOR were to: International Year of the Reef (IYOR) 2018. You only made choosing specific ones to include more of LOGO November 2016, the International Coral Reef Initiative was chosen by should be proud of the work you have done this a challenge, but it was a challenge I have revelled in, • strengthen awareness globally about the value (ICRI) declared 2018 as the third International Year of ICRI members following a contest that ICRI year to raise awareness about the plight facing coral because it has given me the wonderful opportunity to of, and threats to, coral reefs and their associated the Reef. held in 2007. Twenty-seven proposals were reefs. I truly believe that it is communities of like- meet with and speak to so many of you, who share my ; passion for coral reefs and the IYOR. • promote partnerships between Governments, the received for this contest from around the minded, passionate people, such as those involved The IYOR 2018 was an international awareness private sector, academia and civil society on the world. For 2018, ICRI decided to use the same in the IYOR that will spearhead the change we need campaign, designed to disseminate information Although the IYOR 2018 has come to an end, the work management of coral reefs; logo. We would like to thank the Ministry of to see globally to preserve and protect coral reefs. about the very serious plight facing coral reefs to as that must still be done and the spirit of the IYOR will, the Environment (MoE), Japan and Mr Masami many people around the globe as possible. It is the • identify and implement effective management I joined as the coordinator of the IYOR halfway I am sure, go on. I encourage each and every one of Nakamine who was the winner of the IYOR third of its kind following on from the first in 1997, strategies for conservation, increased resiliency through the year, when it was already a fully-fledged you reading this to begin (or continue) working in your logo contest for allowing us to use it again in and the second in 2008. Despite the success of the and sustainable use of these ecosystems and machine churning out information and support for own way to protect coral reefs, whether that be by 2018. previous two IYORs, two decades later, ICRI members promoting best practices; those involved with coral reefs. I was immediately changing things in your own day-to-day life (reducing acknowledged once again that the need for greater • and share information on best practices in relation galvanised and taken by the enthusiasm and simply your carbon footprint, recycling or cutting down on awareness and input from the general public was to sustainable coral reef management. unquashable optimism – from people all over the the use of single-use plastics) or by disseminating as serious then as it had been the first time, this world – that we can and will make a difference to the information about coral reefs to those who may not realization led to the declaration of the third IYOR, What will follow in this document is a brief overview ICRI is an informal future of coral reefs. know why we should be protecting them. However IYOR 2018. highlighting the very many activities and events that partnership between you decide to support coral reefs remember there is took place over the IYOR 2018. We could not possibly nations and organizations, Although this report can only cover a very small a community of people throughout the globe who are include everything, as we certainly do not know about which came to recognize INTERNATIONAL CORAL REEF INITIATIVE selection of the amazing activities that took place standing with you! every event which was held. that coral reefs and throughout the year, the range and sheer variety of their related ecosystems were facing serious activities never stopped surprising and amazing me. Thank you, and extreme degradation worldwide. Since From tropical islands, where livelihoods can and Claire Rumsey its establishment in 1995, ICRI has been do depend directly on reef health, to landlocked committed to preserving coral reefs and their countries, where coral reefs are things of dreams related ecosystems such as mangrove forests and holidays, and from children’s art competitions, and seagrass beds. www.icriforum.org and stamp design competitions, to an A380 being 6 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 7 2017 Activities December

& Events of NATIONAL LAUNCHES

The European Coral Reef Symposium (ECRS), United the 3rd IYOR Kingdom The European launch of the IYOR took place during the ECRS in Oxford. Five hundred and fifty people from thirty-three countries attended the event, including students, academics and conservationists. Sue Wells, chair of the International Coral Reef Society, formerly the International Society for Reef Studies (ISRS), introduced the IYOR 2018 to the attendees.

European launch of the IYOR in Oxford - Photo credit: ©Gal Eyal Presentation of Germany’s previous involvement in the IYORs, and their plans for the IYOR 2018 campaign - Photo credit: ©Gert Wörheide 8 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 9 2018 January NATIONAL LAUNCHES GLOBAL EVENTS

Opening symposium held to launch Social media awareness campaign Google Street View went the IYOR in Japan by the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) underwater for the IYOR During the opening ceremony Minister Nakagawa TESTIMONIAL: Fund To celebrate the IYOR, the Ocean Agency continued appointed Sakana-kun, a famous expert on fish and a “Each entity, that has been engaged in coral reef its collaboration with Google and developed a very popular entertainer in Japan, as Ambassador for conservation, so far, has made further efforts bespoke IYOR dive, which allows viewers to explore IYOR 2018 in Japan. Thirteen other parties (a number because of IYOR 2018. As a result, we were able seven reefs from around the world and learn about which increased to twenty-six by the end of 2018) to inform many people about the importance coral. were also appointed as official Japanese supporters and situation of coral reefs. We therefore Macuata District Representatives with the Oceans UN Special Envoy to the UN, Peter for the IYOR. There think that IYOR will be a good opportunity to raise Thomson and Fiji’s Prime Minister, Voreqe Bainimarama at the launch of the IYOR in Fiji. © WWF-Pacific was a panel discussion Barbados celebrates the launch of awareness of coral reef conservation if it is held on the importance the IYOR The Coral Reef Image Bank about once in ten years, as we have done so far.” Fiji launches the IYOR with the of coral reefs, the Sayuri Furuta, Japan threats they are facing The Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) in Launched for the IYOR, The Ocean Agency created nomination of a Ramsar Site and what could be collaboration with Bellairs Research Institute of the Coral Reef Image Bank; an online collection of done to protect them. The Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr Voreqe Bainimarama, McGill University and the Coral Reef Restoration media-quality photographs and videos, spanning Approximately 300 launched the IYOR at a ceremony at the Nukubati Alliance collaborated to celebrate the launch of the thirteen different reef regions made available for free people participated Island Resort off the coast of Macuata. During the IYOR in Barbados. Director of the CZMU, Dr Brewster, to help attract interest to the coral reef crisis and to in the opening ceremony, which UN Special Envoy for the Ocean, stated that the IYOR had coincided with the work inspire action. symposium. An example of the weekly coral reef facts shared by the MARFund throughout the Peter Thomson attended, a section of Fiji’s Great Sea that Barbados was doing to monitor and manage IYOR. Alex Mustard, UK Reef (also known as Cakau Levu – the Big Reef, or Bai the condition of its coral reefs. One of the initiatives ni kei Viti – the Wall of Fiji) was officially nominated as undertaken by the CZMU is to manage reefs through Every Friday for the twelve months of the IYOR the a Ramsar site. the establishment of the Coral Lab with financial MAR Fund shared a short fact about coral reefs Coral Reef Image Bank assistance from the Inter-American Development across all of their social media platforms, this was January photographer Bank. to help raise awareness about the plight facing coral Poster created for the opening symposium to celebrate the launch of the International Year of the Reef 2018 in Japan. Designer: Bokunen Naka reefs. 10 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 11 Proclamation signing to declare the IYOR in Guam NATIONAL EVENTS 2018 Virtual Reality (VR) experiences at February Wellington libraries, New Zealand

Prince Charles at a high-level meeting in London. Photo credit: Ian Jones

Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio (centre), after signing the proclamation declaring NATIONAL LAUNCHES the GYOR. Photo credit: Whitney Hoot Prince Charles announces a global Germany launched the IYOR Lieutenant Governor Ray Tenorio call for action, United Kingdom launched the IYOR in Guam by signing at boot a proclamation declaring the Guam During a high-level meeting in London, HRH The Year of the Reef (GYOR) 2018. This was Prince of Wales announced a global call to action In Düsseldorf during ‘boot’, the world’s largest water introduction from Professor Dr Ralph Schill, from the to show Guam’s recognition of the to save coral reefs from their complete collapse A child enjoying virtual reality during one of the sessions at a Wellington Library. sports trade fair, Germany launched the IYOR under VDST. Leading German coral reef researchers gave Photo credit: Wellington City Libraries importance of their coral reefs, and its globally. At this event, the three specially designed TESTIMONIAL: the patronage of the German Underwater Federation a brief introduction to coral reefs and presented posters for the IYOR were released as well as the “The year 2018 has been designated by ICRI commitment to protecting them for Wellington City Libraries encouraged their patrons to (VDST). There was a welcome speech from Petros various management options and ways in which IYOR trailer. as the IYOR. This is a great opportunity to current and future generations. try VR in order to experience a 360° immersive coral Michelidakis, Director of the boot trade fair, and an everyone can help to protect coral reefs. draw attention to the condition of coral reefs reef film and game. The aim was to give people a The proclamation signed by Lieutenant and to step up efforts to save them. Action is Governor Ray Tenorio declaring the GYOR. chance to see the stunning underwater reefs and by our watchword for this year and beyond. We this to encourage them to protect the coral reefs. Green Fins released are committed to work as a team to make a difference to coral reef conservation.” #RedefineTheDive Talk on deep water coral reefs of New Zealand, New Xavier Sticker, former French Ambassador Zealand (23 February) GLOBAL EVENTS Green Fins is a joint for the Environment Dr Ashley Rowden, a Principal Scientist in marine initiative between the ecology at the National Institute of Water and Reef World Foundation Atmospheric Research (NIWA), gave a talk about and the United Nations discovering coral reefs in the oceans of New Zealand Environment. For the and protecting reefs from trawling and bleaching. IYOR Green Fins created four action points to be Blue Ventures and the IYOR released throughout Blue Ventures wrote and shared a blog post about Jayne Jenkins, Wales the year. The first was the IYOR encouraging people to get involved in Germany launching the IYOR at the boot in Düsseldorf Photo credit: VDST/P. Sutter, G. Heiss #RedefineTheDive, which From left to right: Prof. Dr. Ralph Schill, VDST; M.Sc. Marina Schiller, Uni Bochum; hands-on coral reef conservation efforts. Prof. Dr. Helmut Schuhmacher, Uni Essen; Prof. Dr. Gert Wörheide, LMU München; focuses on scuba divers Coral Reef Image Bank Dr. Sebastian Ferse, ZMT Bremen; Prof. Dr. Peter Schupp, Uni Oldenburg; Prof. Dr. Reinhold Leinfelder, FU Berlin; Anna von Boetticher, the moderator. Photo credit: having zero impact dives. February photographer Heinz Krimmer IYOR poster- Paradise / IYOR poster- Wave / IYOR poster- Hourglass The first of four action points from Green Fins #RedefineTheDive 12 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 13 2018 TESTIMONIAL: “The Guam Coral Reef Initiative was honoured to join others worldwide in celebrating coral reefs throughout 2018. IYOR is an opportunity to form new partnerships, strengthen existing Coral Reefs – Life Below the relationships, and celebrate coral reefs in the March midst of grave concern for the future and health Surface a new film by The of our oceans. IYOR shed a positive light on coral Jetlagged reef management and gave our community IYOR posters created by The Ocean Agency at a bus stop in London. a sense of hope and optimism in making a NATIONAL LAUNCHES NATIONAL EVENTS Photo credit: Stuart Morton difference for our island’s marine resources. IYOR 2018 was an opportunity to learn, connect, ‘Celebrating Reefs’ hosted beach IYOR posters were shared around highlight, collaborate, strategize and strengthen London, United Kingdom our coral reef network on Guam and with others Singapore launches the IYOR and mangrove clean-ups, Malaysia worldwide.” Mallory Morgan, Guam The Ocean Agency (TOA) in collaboration with Over 500 people, from twenty organizations, in advertising agency Proximity, used the IYOR posters fifteen locations around Malaysia participated in to run a short burst of out of home advertising, beach and mangrove clean-ups. Participants included where the IYOR posters popped up across various dive-shop operators, community members, school London sites for a weekend during March, to further children, NGOs and local government agencies. The awareness of coral reefs. aim was to collect data on the scale of the marine Governor Ralph D.L.G. Torres (centre) after signing the proclamation declaring the IYOR. Photo credit: Lory Lyn Lirio debris problem facing Malaysia. Reef Week in Belize ‘Coral Reefs Life below the Surface’ a 360-degree film by The Jetlagged. Proclamation signing in the For the IYOR, The Jetlagged collaborated with the Coral Reef Symposium, Guam Reef week is an annual week-long celebration, during Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research (ZMT) to Commonwealth of the Northern Yen-Yi Lee, Taiwan David Gross, USA Patti Gross, USA which local and international organizations in Belize, release, ‘Coral Reefs – Life Below the Surface’ a 360° The Coral Reef Symposium was held at the same Mariana Islands (CNMI) Members of the public joining in ‘Celebrating Singapore Shores’. raise awareness about the ecological, economic and fully immersive VR dive into the reefs of the Coral Photo credit: Celebrating Singapore Shores time as the ninth Annual University of Guam Regional cultural importance and value of the Belize Barrier Triangle. As part of a fund-raising plan, between the Governor Ralph D.L.G. Torres Conference on Island Sustainability, in conjunction Reef. 27 March and 15 April they screened the video to signed a proclamation declaring For the IYOR 2018, Singapore created ‘Celebrating with GYOR. The symposium brought together about over 1,000 people in . 2018 as the IYOR in the CNMI. This Singapore Reefs’ which began during ‘The Fun 200 participants from Guam’s coral reef researchers, was done to encourage and engage Odyssea’. It was organised, over two days, especially managers, students and community members to the public in the protection and for children and families during the March school share the latest coral reef research and explore preservation of coral reefs in the holidays. This event brought together blue interest innovative strategies for addressing impacts. CNMI. groups, as well as marine research and conservation Bart Lukasik, Poland Ellen Cuylaerts, Belgium Cristina Mittermeier, Mexico groups, who created different activities to showcase Left to right: Breniesha Meyers, Kiara Montero, and their work in a fun and engaging manner for the Allissa Roches during the Reef Coral Reef Image Bank March photographers The proclamation signed by Governor Ralph public. week celebration in Belize. D.L.G. Torres. Photo credit: D. Arzu/WCS 14 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 15 2018 April NATIONAL EVENTS Commonwealth Marine Science Training and monitoring workshop, The Rain Barrel Art Contest, TESTIMONIAL: NATIONAL LAUNCHES GLOBAL EVENTS Event, United Kingdom India CNMI “Coral reefs are under threat and plastic pollution in the ocean has reached an alarming state the The launch of the IYOR Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs One of the fun ways the CNMI decided to celebrate 2018 campaign addressed both these issues. Monaco Ocean Week – an evening promoted the IYOR at the Commonwealth Marine the IYOR was to hold a rain barrel painting These periodic campaigns are necessary to in Malaysia of coral reefs, Monaco Science Event hosted by the National competition. The CNMI Bureau of Environmental highlight issues and sensitize the public.” Centre (NOC), with a special coral reef stand, that and Coastal Quality invited all community members Vineeta Hoon, CARESS The Malaysian Department of Marine Parks, within aimed to raise awareness about the IYOR, and also to participate in a rain barrel painting contest. Over the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, NOC projects. At this event Environment Minister forty-five entries were received. launched celebrations for the IYOR during the Thérèse Coffey announced the UK’s intention to sign 2018 Research Seminar in Kedah, under the theme the Coral Reef Life Declaration. ‘Conserving Malaysia’s National Treasure’.

Participants of the octopus monitoring workshop received certificates at the end. Photo credit: CARESS Warren Baverstock, UK Simon Pierce, New Zealand , Canadian A training workshop on

Celebrating coral reefs in Monaco at the opening of the exhibition “From coral to octopus catch monitoring reef: a jewel in jeopardy”. L-R E. Tambutte (CSM), E. Béraud (CSM), Mr. Colognoli for octopus hunters was (Coral Guardian), D. Allemand (CSM), HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, HE Mr. X. Stiker, O. Jude (Phoctopus) and R. Vevers (The Ocean Agency) held in Lakshadweep for Photo credit: C. Albuquerque (Heure Bleue) around thirty people, for their As part of Monaco Ocean Week the Oceanographic involvement in the workshop Museum of Monaco hosted a special evening to participants were awarded certificates that featured the celebrate coral reefs in the presence of HSH the Examples of the art created as part of the rain barrel paining competition in the Environment Minister Thérèse Coffey trying virtual reality in front of an IYOR poster IYOR logo. CNMI. Photo credit: Jihan Younis Michael Aw, Singapore David Robinson, UK Andy Brandy Casagrande Sovereign Prince Albert II of Monaco. The evening at the Commonwealth Marine Science Event. Photo credit: Daily Echo consisted of the opening of the exhibit ‘From Coral to IV, USA Malaysia began celebrations for the International Year of the Reef under the theme Reef: A Jewel in Danger’. ‘The Octopods of Lakshadweep’ poster created Coral Reef Image Bank April photographers ‘Conserving Malaysia’s National Treasure’. for the workshop. 16 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 17 scientists from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation 2018 Science Without Borders® YOR celebration at the Phuket Marine Biological Challenge. (Left) High school winner ‘The Last Coral Reef’, Selena Yang, 16, US. NATIONAL EVENTS School of Marine and Atmospheric Science and the Centre in . Photo credit: PMBC (Right) Middle school winner ‘Saviour of Human Beings’, Xiyan Wang, 13, China. Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric 2018 Studies. The film takes an immersive look at the Training on coral reef monitoring, methods these scientists are using to study and Zanzibar conserve in the Florida Keys National Marine Coastal Oceans Research and Development – Indian Sanctuary. Ocean (CORDIO), Marinecultures and Chumbe Island Coral Park organized a training workshop on coral International Day for Biological TESTIMONIAL: May reef monitoring in Zanzibar. The workshop brought “The IYOR 2018 has provided a crucial platform together nineteen participants representing fourteen (IDB) Diversity, Seychelles To celebrate the IDB, the Seychelles National Park for a range of organisations, communities and NGOs and dive centres from across Zanzibar each individuals to discuss the global, regional and with an interest in contributing to the conservation of Authorities (SNPA) created a stand about the IYOR, to highlight their coral restoration project, to exhibit local threats to coral reefs and their associated IYOR, 2018’s Science without coral reefs. NATIONAL LAUNCHES the different varieties of corals that they have in their systems whilst also providing tools and resources Borders® Challenge theme collection and to discuss with visitors the importance to actively promote conservation and challenge was ‘Why coral reefs matter’. of coral reefs. impacts. Through IYOR 2018, the Seychelles launches the IYOR Thailand launches the IYOR with a This theme took into account the importance of coral scientific community has been able to reach- series of celebrations reefs and encouraged participants of two age groups out to the public sector, increasing awareness, and education company (high school (15–19 years old) and middle school ‘Yo solo anclo en arena’ (I only anchor driving social responsibility and building a WiseOceans and the Ministry of Environment, Energy (11–14 years old)) to explore their existence and the The Department of Marine and Coastal Resources network of conservation-minded advocates and Climate Change organized a ceremony to launch threats they face. Over 600 entries from thirty-eight in sand), Puerto Rico in Thailand began their IYOR 2018 celebrations with A new campaign was created as a collaboration and environmental stewards. It is important, of the IYOR in the Seychelles, during which attendees countries were received. a series of events including the Tao Island tourism however, that IYOR 2018 is the starting point for were encouraged to make promises to help reef between the Department of Natural and opening festival, reef watch training, in Phuket, and conversations, actions and policy change and that health/security. In attendance was the Principle Environmental Resources (Puerto Rico) and local Chulabhorn Underwater Park Conservation Centre, efforts to protect and promote coral reefs and Secretary Mr de Comarmond, the Principal Secretary NGO Protectores de Cuencas, Inc. which disseminate and reef restoration on Hae Island. Raffles Institution book launch, information at various marinas about the importance their associated ecosystems continue to increase.” for Tourism Mrs Lafortune, the Seychelles Island Tom Dallison, CCC Foundation, Marine Conservation Society Seychelles, Singapore Dr. David Obura (CORDIO) leading the two-day coral reef workshop in Zanzibar. of avoiding anchoring on coral reefs and seagrass Photo credit: CORDIO University of Seychelles as well as school children beds, and when buoys are not available, anchoring The Raffles Ecological Literacy Programme have from the Baie Lazare school. only in sand. written and illustrated two children’s books based on Singapore’s two most important marine habitats Festival of the Sea, Italy GLOBAL EVENTS – the seagrass beds the reef. Educational workshops on tropical coral reefs were Amigos de Sian Ka’an (ASK) Follow the adventures of Doo given to primary and high school students. These photography competition, Mexico The Khaled bin Sultan Living the Dugong, Ollie the Octopus included lectures on the different types of corals As part of their commemoration of the IYOR in The Super Seagrass Search, found on reefs, their different roles within their 2018, ASK, held a photography competition under Oceans Foundation Science without exploring seagrass meadows; ecosystems, and the main threats facing them. the title “Monitors of the Reef”. The focus was Borders® Challenge winners and Cory the coral spat in on the promotion of the natural beauty of the Woosh! A coral’s journey amid The ANGARI foundation premiered Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, commonly known as the announced the reefs and mangroves of Great Mayan Reef, in Mexico and the conservation of Ramona Osche, Germany Fabrice Dudenhofer, France Singapore. its 360°-film, USA its associated species. In total there were forty-seven The Khaled bin Sultan Living Oceans Foundation Principal Secretary Alain de Comarmond posing with his coral pledge, along with Around 300 visitors attended the release of the participants and 198 photos were submitted. Principle Secretary of Tourism Mrs Lafortune (pink shirt), CEO of Seychelles Island hosts a global annual Science without Borders® Foundation Dr Dogley (Stripy shirt) and Chairman of the Marine Conservation Society The poster for the Raffles Ecological Literacy ANGARI Foundation film Generation Ocean: Coral Coral Reef Image Bank May photographers Seychelles Dr Rowat (blue shirt in the back ground) at the Seychelles launch of the Challenge art competition, and in celebration of the Programme book launch in conjunction with Reefs, a 360°/virtual reality film featuring coral reef IYOR. Photo credit: Lois Nippard the IYOR. 18 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 19 2018 June World Oceans Week, Guam WOD TV interview, Seychelles NATIONAL LAUNCHES

WORLD OCEANS DAY A six-day long event to celebrate World Oceans On WOD a SNPA outreach officer was interviewed Week, in conjunction with the Outrigger Guam Beach by the Seychelles Broadcasting Corporation, which is Resort and Guam’s local coral reef community took the national TV station, she talked about IYOR 2018 Trinidad and Tobago launch the The Pacific Year of place. The event included training seminars, lectures, and the importance of coral reefs. IYOR the Reef is launched hands-on activities for kids, snorkelling lessons and two separate mini-fairs. About 300 community The official launch of the IYOR in Trinidad and Tobago The Secretariat of the Pacific members and tourists attended the event. took place on WOD. On this occasion, guests were Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) has WOD beach clean, invited to: discover coral reefs through ‘virtual dives’ supported every IYOR with the creation of the Pacific using VR goggles, contribute (through the purchase Year of the Reef (PYOR) 1997, 2008 and now 2018. CCC staff and volunteers undertook a ‘surface of unique coral reef art crafted in chocolate) and The PYOR 2018 was launched at the Protected Areas interval beach clean’ whilst offsite at , Southern to appreciate the complex connections between Meeting held in Apia, Samoa, where sixty delegates Leyte, Philippines. During the surface interval coral reefs, climate change and people. John Agard, from the Pacific region attended. Coral reefs have participants got busy cleaning up the hefty amount World Oceans Day (WOD) tropical island ecologist from the University of been chosen as the thematic focus for not only PYOR of trash found on the diving beach. Some of the During a surface interval, CCC volunteers and staff did beach clean-ups. Photo credit: the West Indies, and a lead author/editor on the 2018, but for PYOR 2019 as well, as a two-year SPREP celebrations in support of IYOR volunteers even had the enthusiasm to bring sacks Jasmine Corbett (Science Officer at the time) at Anilao, Liloan Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) thematic campaign which aims to strengthen the underwater for an Eco-fun dive. 2018 reported on his field and Dr Pacific’s coral reef network. The Government of Canada proposed the concept In total they collected six full bags of trash (one full the surrounding communities. The theme was Ahmad Khan, Director of the of a World Ocean Day, at the Earth Summit in Rio sack per person!) amounting to 15kgs. ‘preventing plastic pollution and encouraging Institute of Marine Affairs de Janeiro in 1992. In December 2008 the United for a healthy ocean’. In keeping with the reflected on changes in the Nations General Assembly passed a resolution theme, the municipality of Liloan joined in provincial reefs of Tobago. recognizing the 8 June as WOD. Since then WOD celebrations in the government efforts to name June as Environment celebrations and involvement has continued to Philippines Month, and officially launched their ‘rice from grow, there are now thousands of events in over garbage’ programme as well as partaking in CCC’s 120 countries and a social media reach into the CCC in partnership with 4Ocean and the Local WOD celebration. The programme acts as an John Agard, giving a speech at the launch several billions. This year, several organizations of the IYOR in Trinidad and Tobago. Photo Government Unit of Liloan organized an afternoon incentive for communities to undertake the making credit: Joseph Cazabon chose to use WOD to celebrate the IYOR. World Oceans Week- Guam. event to celebrate the IYOR and WOD. The event of eco-bricks (building blocks made from reused Photo credit: Jesse Rojas included presentations, a synchronized coastal clean- plastic waste) to trade-in for a given amount of up, a prize-draw and a photography competition rice. Our collective efforts removed approximately Children celebrating the launch of the Pacific Year of the Reef at the SPREP campus in which brought together over 250 people from 1421.5lbs (or 646kg) of trash from Liloan. Vailima, Samoa. Photo credit: SPREP 20 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 21 all suffering from life-changing physical and/or mental injuries, are Programme Members of the Coral Reefs: solutions for today The 2018 Ridge to Reef Eco Camp, rehabilitation charity Deptherapy. The and tomorrow, symposium, France NATIONAL EVENTS aim of the Protecting Our Oceans project is to raise TESTIMONIAL: 2018 CNMI awareness of the fragility of the world’s oceans and The Foundation for Research of Biodiversity (FBR), “Coral reefs are underfunded, yet a necessary for each Deptherapy Programme Member to make the Oceanographic Institute of Monaco, CRIOBE ecosystem for millions of people around the world Chasing Coral screening and their own practical contribution to environmental (CNRS-EPHE-UPVD-PSL), the Oceans and Climate and are particularly important for the well-being protection to help safeguard the future. Platform and French Coral Reef Initiative (IFRECOR) and safety of the Pacific islands Region. It is vital discussion, Trinidad & Tobago organized a symposium to present the latest to bring and continue the awareness on ways to scientific information on the state of coral reefs and mitigate the issues that affect the health of the A Chasing Coral screening in Trinidad was held to Coral reef and seagrass bed the solutions to preserve them. A screening of the coral reef ecosystem.” June celebrate the IYOR, following the screening, there Akiko Hamada-Ano, SPREP workshop, Puerto Rico documentary Chasing Coral followed the conference. was a question and answer session with local About 133 people attended the symposium and 250 scientists about the coral reefs of Trinidad and participated in the screening later in the evening. Tobago, the local and global threats they face and The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DNER) held a workshop entitled “The GLOBAL EVENTS what can be done to help. The 2018 Ridge to Reef Eco Camp- CNMI - Photo credit: Keith Nabors Importance, condition, and management of coral reefs and seagrass beds in Puerto Rico”, for teachers, ‘It’s your reef This is an annual Youth Stewardship Program in the fisherman and community leaders. Sixty-nine British Territories islands of Tinian and Rota (CNMI). This year’s camp festival’, Australia people attended the workshop and learned about theme focused on the IYOR. Eco camp participants stamp competition Reef Blitz, Jamaica topics ranging from herbivory on coral reefs to the explored their watershed from ridge to reef, through As part of 2018 IYOR importance of sharks. celebrations, Burdekin The British Indian Ocean Territories (BIOT) held a learning about agricultural best practice; hiking and Shire Council held the stamp designing competition for children to design a exploring in a limestone forest; conducting beach ‘It’s Your Reef Festival’ Gregory Piper, USA new stamp for the BIOT under the theme ‘Year of the clean-ups; learning about the detrimental impacts of where hundreds of people Reef’. Four ages groups were created and there was marine debris and learning about coral reefs. Coral reef management workshop, attended to learn about one winner per group. Winners were selected by a Thailand protecting the Great Barrier panel of judges. The winners were: Kyle Irvine, age 6, Reef and minimising from Aberdeenshire, UK, age group 4-6; Megan Lee The Deptherapy team celebrate The Marine Science Association of Thailand, in their own environmental Mayor Lyn McLaughlin of the Yit May, age 9, from Brunei, Darussalam, age group; collaboration with the Department of Marine and Burdekin Shire Council (left) at the impact. Attendees were ‘It’s your reef’ festival. Laura Gilbert, age 12, from Norfolk, UK age group 10- the IYOR Coastal Resources, universities and relevant agencies encouraged to pledge their 13; and Ailis Law, age 14, from Greater Manchester, organized a workshop on strategies for coral reef The Deptherapy Team marked the IYOR 2018 love of the , to signify their UK, age group 14–17. The winning designs were management in Thailand. It was a side-event at the with the launch of a new environmental project commitment to the environment. David Hannan, Australia Renata Romeo, Italy Philip Hamilton, UK turned into stamps and can be purchased. Reef Blitz participants sixth National Marine Science Conference aiming L-R Kay-Ann Miller (NEPA), Gabrielle-Jae Watson (NEPA), Monique Curtis (NEPA), ‘Protecting Our Matthew Lee (CL Environmental Ltd.), Inilek Wilmot (Oracabessa Foundation); to brainstorm and discuss the effective strategies Michael Sterling (Oracabessa Foundation); Shanti Persaud-Levy (University Sub-Aqua Oceans’. A team of UK for coral reef management in Thailand. Some of the Club) Photo Credit: Robert Hew Armed veterans outcomes and suggestions, particularly the strategies Coral Reefs - Endangered The first major activity planned under IYOR 2018 in have launched for research and monitoring, from the workshop Jamaica was a ‘Reef Blitz’. Reef Check monitoring was a project to ‘give Treasures of the Oceans, Germany resulted in the Bangsaen Declaration 2018. carried out at six different Marine Protected Areas back’ to the marine and Special Fishery Conservation Areas island-wide. environment that they The Senckenberg Natural History Museum (in A total of thirty volunteers participated with a total of credit with turning Frankfurt) opened a special exhibition as part of the Wojtek Meczynski, Poland Erik Lukas, USA Jett Britnell, Canada ten sites surveyed. IYOR 2018 branded T-shirts were their lives around. IYOR. The exhibition aimed to inform visitors about created for the event. The thirty wounded- the unique and complex ecology of coral reefs, their immense economic importance as well as the Coral Reef Image Bank June photographers in-service veterans, Ben Lee, Deptherapy Ambassador and former BIOT stamp design competition winners. Royal Engineer. Photo credit: Dmitry Knyazev growing danger they face. 22 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 23 Bay Islands coastal clean-up, Reef HQ live student extravaganza, Honduras Australia 2018 Organizations and communities from all around the More than 250 students from four different cities Bay Islands (Honduras) took on a massive clean-up joined together to participate in a dedicated IYOR initiative, collecting solid waste and debris from the live hook-up from the Great Barrier Reef Marine beaches and reefs across the Bay Islands. The event Park Authority’s (GBRMPA) national education centre was made possible with the support of Bay Islands and the world’s largest living coral reef aquarium Coastal Clean-Up, the , the Bay – Reef HQ. This was held as part of the GBRMPA’s Islands Conservation Association (BICA), and all the celebration of IYOR across five local government July hardworking volunteers. More than 500 volunteers in areas throughout the June–July school holiday period. , Roatan and Guanaja participated. GLOBAL EVENTS NATIONAL EVENTS Roatan Marine Park (RMP) Reef Bahamas Reef Environment Fest, Honduras Educational Foundation (BREEF) The Mirpuri Foundation painted ‘Advances and Challenges of the Workshop on ‘Promoting best Sea Camps , Bahamas During the RMP Reef Fest thirty high school students a Hi Fly Airbus A380 with a coral research and conservation of coral practices in coastal marine from Instituto José Santos Guardiola, received message ‘Save the Coral Reefs’ reefs in Venezuela in a climate conservation in collaboration’, educational lectures on marine conservation from TESTIMONIAL: “Plastics” to “Sustainable Tourism in Bay Islands”. “The IYOR 2018 inspired our team to hold more change scenario’ conference, Thailand Over five days guest ocean-based public events in order to raise In a bid to raise awareness for coral reefs the Mirpuri awareness of the essential functions that coral Foundation joined forces with AkzoNobel and Hi Fly, speakers came Venezuela In collaboration with private sector partners, a reef ecosystems serve in and around Phuket, to paint an A380 Airbus with a message pledging the from organizations workshop was hosted, that brought together the Thailand. The tourism industry often takes these need to save coral reefs. As a part of the celebrations held for the IYOR, the such as Think government, NGOs and the private sector to discuss ecosystem services for granted, and with the Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research hosted Beyond Plastic, MAR solutions to the threat of coastal marine ecosystem help of IYOR 2018, we hope that we have raised a conference to disseminate the current status of Alliance Honduras, degradation and to promote best practices in coastal more awareness of these fragile ecosystems and reef research in Venezuela. The conference was Bay Islands Reef marine conservation. Participants from twenty inspired a greater love for coral reefs.” comprised of five presentations covering a broad Restoration, BICA and private sector groups from all over Thailand plus Mallory Raphael, BREEF Research and Environmental Education Officer giving a Kathryn Bimson, IUCN Thailand spectrum of topics, including: human impacts Go Blue Bay Islands. presentation on «Coral Reef Ecosystems, Rainforests of the Sea». Photo credit: Tessa three different government agencies joined the Morelli on our reefs; the current state of conservation, workshop. The certificate awarded to participants of the Reef Fest. bleaching events; climate change and basic reef In celebration of the IYOR, over three separate ecology. Over thirty individuals attended the event, weekends in June and July, BREEF held Sea Camps including researchers, students, representatives from for children in San Salvador, New Providence governmental institutions and NGOs. and Andros. BREEF’s mission is to “promote the conservation of the Bahamian marine environment that sustains our way of life” which aligns with the IYOR’s goal to spread awareness about coral reefs. Rick Miskiv, USA Thus, the IYOR was a fitting theme for this Year’s Sea Coral Reef Image Bank The Hi Fly Airbus A380 painted in coral livery, by the Mirpuri Foundation and Camps. The goals for this year were derived from the AkoNobel. Photo credit: Hi Fly IYOR’s goals and adapted for the camps. July photographer Participants of the ‘Promoting Best Practices in Coastal Marine Conservation in Collaboration with Private Sector Partners Workshop’ in Thailand. Photo credit: Karistha Chusing Roatan Marine Park Reef Fest. Photo credit: Roatan Marine Park 24 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 25 curators and educators to raise awareness about Public speaking competition in the beauty of, and threats to, our coral reefs. A Roatan, Honduras wide programme of events was developed for the exhibition, including film screenings, a lecture series, TESTIMONIAL: 2018 a Family Fun day and a recycled plastic art workshop. “The 2018 International Year of the Reef could Over 3,400 people visited the exhibit. not have come at a more critical time for the future of coral reefs. Whilst it has been fantastic in raising the much-needed awareness of reefs Coral Reefs, a Challenge for and inspiring support for their conservation, Humanity, France most importantly it has brought people and August organisations together, working with a level of collaboration that has not been seen before. The new initiatives developed as a result of International Year of the Reef have the potential The competitors of the public speaking competition in Roatan. to be game-changing for the future of coral reefs; GLOBAL EVENTS NATIONAL EVENTS Photo credit: Roatan Marine Park from generating mass-public support for coral The RMP held a public speaking competition under reef conservation (through long-term creative Stamp month, Australia Coastal ecosystem awareness and the title “A Roatan Reef Plastic-Free” (Por una Roatan communications), to technology innovation libre de plastico). Eighteen students from several (through a coral reef XPrize). We are thinking The Australia photography workshops, India local public and private high schools took part in bigger and making progress.” Post celebrated the competition; the participants enthusiastically Richard Vevers, TOA August stamp- recited persuasive speeches at the Roatan Institute collecting for Marine Sciences in English and Spanish before a month by panel of judges. inviting all Animal Collective and Coral Morphologic’s album Tangerine Reef album cover. Image credit: Coral Morphologic ‘Coral Reefs, a Challenge for Humanity’ on display outside the UNESCO headquarters Australians to in Paris, France. Photo credit: MNHN - Pascale Joannot go on a ‘Reef Reef Safari stamps created for stamp-collecting month in Coral Encounters: Photographs A coral reef themed photography exhibition by Safari’ with Australia. from our underwater world, photojournalist Alexis Rosenfeld and journalist the release of Green Fins released Alexie Valois entitled “Coral Reefs, a Challenge for five stamps Cayman Islands #AlternativesToAnchoring Humanity” was displayed along the gates of the showcasing the beautifully diverse and threatened UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, with the aim to species found on the Great Barrier Reef. Green Fins released the The National Gallery of the Cayman Islands (NGCI) Grant Thomas, Scotland second in a series of celebrated the IYOR by hosting the work of thirty bring attention to coral reefs. Additional text, video four IYOR action point, local and international underwater photographers. interviews, reports and 360° photographs were #AlternativesToAnchoring Positioned at available via smartphone by scanning the QR codes Animal Collective and Coral One of the images created as part of the coastal ecosystem awareness and on the displays. focuses on reef safe photography workshop, that will be compiled into The Amjum Tales. the crossroads Morphologic release audio- options for boats and between art visual album ‘Tangerine Reef’ to . A series of workshops were held throughout 2018 and science, where awareness activities were conducted in various this exhibition celebrate the IYOR villages of North Andamans. The children who brought participated in the workshops submitted drawings, together Ishan Hassan, Martin Colognoli, France Katerina Katopis, Greek Tangerine Reef is a full-length audiovisual album by stories and paintings which will be compiled into a artists, marine Animal Collective, created in collaboration with Coral children’s book called The Amjum Tales. ‘Coral Encounters’, photography exhibition professionals, Coral Reef Image Bank August photographers at the National Gallery of the Cayman Islands. Morphologic, to commemorate the 2018 IYOR. The second of four action points from Green Fins #AlternativesToAnchoring Photo credit: National Gallery of the Cayman Islands scientists, 26 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 27 Coastal and International Coastal Cleanup Day, Release of the “Status and Trends underwater Malaysia of Coral Reefs of the Pacific”

2018 clean-up, On ICCD nearly 5,000 volunteers at eighty-four At the occasion of the sixth National Report Technical Jamaica locations around Malaysia, conducted beach clean- Support and Preparatory Meeting for the fourteenth ups. Approximately 7,500 kg of trash were removed Conference of the Parties to the Convention on To celebrate the from beaches, with the most common items being Biological Diversity (CBD) regional meetings, International Coastal plastic bottles, cigarette butts and plastic bags. convened at SPREP Headquarters, the “Status and International Coastal Cleanup Day in Cleanup Day (ICCD) an Jamaica. L-R Dalelan Anderson (WRMA), Trends of Coral Reefs of the Pacific” was released. underwater clean-up was Valerie Pougatchev (volunteer), Gabrielle- This analysis of Pacific reefs includes the results September Jae Watson (NEPA), Donavan Sankey held, as well as a beach (NEPA), Mark Lobban (WRMA), Kyle IYOR Pecha Kucha, Australia from nearly 20,000 surveys Mais (WRMA), Everton Simpson (WRMA), CORDIO in partnership with Nyali Cinemax in Kenya clean-up. IYOR 2018 and Tamarah Myles (NEPA) and Bluntly from 128 islands covering Brown (WRMA). Photo Credit: National hosted a free screening of the award-winning Regional Coral Reef Action Plan ICCD branded T-shirts Environment and Planning Agency In a first for the GBRMPA, a Great Barrier Reef – IYOR nineteen countries or NATIONAL EVENTS documentary Chasing Coral to commemorate the 2020-2030 were made for the event. Pecha Kucha event was held in Townsville, North territories. third IYOR and CORDIO’s twentieth anniversary. The day’s activity resulted Queensland. Each speaker presented twenty images, in the removal of over 1,300 plastic bottles. each for twenty seconds – focusing on why people The event was attended by 293 people. After the During SPREP’s inaugural executive board meeting, a Progress in Marine Conservation, need to #LoveTheReef. The eight speakers covered a Rainbow sea: diving into the heart of documentary screening, there was a question and proposal for the pacific coral reef action plan 2020– France and Israel’s coral reefs display. diversity of topics, including: reef science, research, Germany answer discussion with local coral reef scientists, 2030 was officially endorsed by SPREP members. Photo credit: Alexis Valois arts and conservation which showed the positive and managers and government officials. The proposed Regional Coral Reef Action Plan Beach clean-up, and coral reef important connection many community members The international conference on “Progress in Marine 2020–2030 will encompass the following initiatives survey, Iran have with the Reef. More than 150 people attended Conservation” had an IYOR 2018 section on Friday 7 and issues: TESTIMONIAL: the event. “Given the pressing state of reefs and the dire September where Professor C. Sheppard (University. Marine Science Symposium, United • Promoting integrated management of coastal and The Department of Environment of Qeshm Free Area predictions for the future survival of coral of Warwick, UK) presented “Coral Reef Conservation marine areas to reduce anthropogenic Organization (QDOE of QFAO) hosted a beach clean- Kingdom reefs, the International Year of the Reef in 2018 in recent decades and the Future of Reefs”, to the on coral reef ecosystems and to increase coral up where over 300kgs of trash were collected and Rainbow sea: diving into the heart provided a timely initiative for conservationists to 102 attendees at the conference in Germany. resilience. then removed from over 3km of coast in Zeytoon The Bertarelli Foundation hosted a marine science raise global awareness and increase protection symposium at the Royal Geographical Society, in • Increasing capacity for coral reef management park, Iran. Coral reef survey, Iran (13–17 September). of France and Israel’s coral reefs, The Organization in conjunction with the Green reef under a common banner.” London, where attendees could hear researchers and related ecosystems, along with best practices France Mishal Gudka, CORDIO Chasing coral screening and and academics from the Bertarelli Programme in among all stakeholders. Group conducted a series of coral health surveys with the help of local diving clubs. This program was discussion, Kenya Marine Science describe recent advances in the “La mer arc-en-ciel: une plongée au coeur des récifs • Supporting regional, national and sub-national performed on the three islands of Qeshm, Hengam science of the open ocean, coral reefs and terrestrial coralliens de France et d’Israel” (Rainbow sea: diving legislation, policy and management for coral reef and Larak island. ecosystems in the British Indian Ocean Territory. conservation. into the heart of France and Israel’s coral reefs) was The IYOR had • Integrating traditional knowledge and customary a photography exhibit at the Paris Zoological Parc a stand, to practices into coral reef management. that showcased images on forty photographic panels showcase some focusing on the reefs of New Caledonia but also of the events • Seek sustainable financing and resources. both French and Israeli reefs. This was organized by that had taken • Implementing a communication strategy and France’s National Natural History Museum in close place, and also increase information and awareness. collaboration with the Steinhardt Natural History to educate the • Increasing the accessibility of research and Museum (Israel), and supported by the French attendees on the monitoring data and results for the benefit of Institute and the French Ministry in charge of the Jordan Robins, Australia Cinzia Osele Bismarck, Italy IYOR. coral reef conservation. Environment. Coral Reef Image Bank September photographers Chasing coral screening and Q&A hosted by CORDIO at the Nyali Cinemax in Kenya. The IYOR stand at the Bertarelli Foundation Marine Science Symposium. Volunteers from the beach clean-up in Zeytoon Park, where over 300kgs of garbage Photo credit: James Mbugua, CORDIO Photo credit: Claire Rumsey was removed. Photo credit: QDOE of QFAO 28 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 29 tourism operators, protected area managers, Reef Check surveys, Colombia tourism organizations, indigenous bodies and NATIONAL EVENTS researchers came together to discuss the industry’s Twelve EcoDivers surveyed five diving spots for Reef big issues, with a focus on the IYOR. 2018 Check Colombia and collected data on reef health for the local environmental authority on San Andrés B(reef)ly Ours a coral reef exhibit, Island, Colombia. AXA Coral Live Guam Coral reef photo exhibit, Germany Coral reefs were brought into classrooms with This exhibit has been AXA Coral Live from Research and designed to depict the Management of Biodiversity Research Centre. Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology members at the launch of two new ZMT held a photography exhibition under the October past, present and future initiatives. Middle row-seated L-R S. Prakash and Amit Kumar (Founders of MERC and Working with coral experts linked to the research CMSP, Organisers of IYOR 2018) and T. Sasipraba (Pro vice-chancellor). title “Coral Reef Organisms – Artworks of Nature station, Encounter Edu Director, Jamie Buchanan- of Guam’s coral reefs, Photo credit: Sanjeevi Prasath Exhibition” of close-up photos taken of reef animals. Dunlop animated thirty interactive education Coral Universe: when ceramic art, in celebration of GYOR. Roughly 1,500 visitors attended. The exhibit features: The Centre for Climate Change Studies at SIST has broadcasts for teachers seeking to create real world GLOBAL EVENTS ocean science and virtual reality officially launched two new initiatives: connections for their science, geography and primary meet, Indonesia from around Guam; (i) the Marine Ecology Researchers’ Club (MERC) and Twenty-four-hour dive for the love school students. Corals Matter coral fossils; historic and (ii) the Citizen Marine Science Program (CMSP). The cultural fishing tools; a On the eve of the Our Ocean Conference in October aim of MERC and CMSP is to develop a network of of the reef, Australia chronology of Guam’s TESTIMONIAL: The Paribas Foundation and the Association of the unveiling of the Coral Universe at the Coral action-oriented researchers who are involved in reefs and information The University “The IYOR 2018 helped to raise awareness for the Science–Technology Centres (ASTC), came together Triangle Center for Marine Conservation in Sanur, B(reef)ly Ours museum Exhibit in Guam. marine ecology and citizen science research in India. about . The Photo credit: Mallory Morgan of Queensland beauty and plight of coral reefs in the general to create a unique experience for science centre and Bali took place. Coral Universe is a ceramic 18.6 x 2.4 Following the announcement of the creation of these exhibition ran for four held a twenty- public and the media, and it inspired science museum visitors, with the aim of raising awareness metre coral sculpture that is made of 3,000 ceramic two initiatives there was a screening of Chasing coral. months and was open to residents and visitors. four-hour communicators to organize a considerable about coral reefs, and the importance of these coral pieces. The unveiling of which commemorated The idea of streaming the documentary was to create dive where a number of extraordinary events illustrating ecosystems. not only the IYOR 2018 but the presidency of awareness among the students and researchers’ team of forty the importance of this valuable ecosystem Indonesia, Monaco and Australia in ICRI. community and to uncover the underwater Seychelles IYOR symposium paradise showing that coral reefs are disappearing plus divers and drawing attention to the urgency of Participants of the 24-hour dive ‘for the love of reefs’ held at comprehensive reef protection.” due to global climate change and to discuss the went to great the University of Queensland. Photo credit: Chris Roelfsema Status and Protection of Coral The University of Seychelles held an IYOR scientific possible ways to save corals and their associated depths to raise Susanne Eickhoff, ZMT symposium with the aim of bringing everyone bioresources for the future generation. There were funds and awareness for coral reefs by collectively Reefs (STAPCOR) 2018, India from the coral community and the wider public 130 participants. spending twenty-four hours underwater. The event together. The symposium consisted of fourteen was part of the Reef Citizen Science Alliance’s month- The Union Territory of Lakshadweep’s Administration presenters from various different organizations long ReefBlitz citizen science and community action in collaboration with the Zoological Survey of India in the Seychelles, who each gave a fifteen-minute Reef clean-up, Thailand campaign. “The event’s bringing together a range of organized the presentation about their projects or research relating UQ-related groups – including UniDive, UQ Sport, STAPCOR 2018 to coral reefs which were all within the Seychelles. Save Our Sea with the Marine Biodiversity Research Coral Watch, Reef Check Australia, and Virtual Reef International Eighty-two people attended the symposium and Group, Ramkhamhaeng University and other relevant Diver – to promote reef conservation and fundraise Conference there was a wide diversity of stakeholders. agencies organized reef clean-up activities at several in the IYOR,” said Dr Roelfsema. based on the locations in the including, Ko Losin, theme ‘Reef for . The success of these activities was The Corals Matter banner, complete with QR codes to allow viewers access to a Mark Fitz, Australia Shaun Wolfe, USA variety of different resources. Life’. The Sathyabama Institute of due to the collaboration among volunteer divers who Global Eco Conference, Australia Science and Technology (SIST) helped collect marine debris found in coral reefs. The collected marine debris was brought back to the Australia’s twenty-sixth Ecotourism conference Coral Reef Image Bank October photographers Photo credit: Lakshadweep Administration launch two new initiatives, India mainland for proper disposal. was held in Townsville, Queensland. During which 30 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 31 2018 November GLOBAL EVENTS NATIONAL EVENTS IYOR at the fourteenth Conference IYOR at the fair on Communication Green Fins released CAPTURE Coral Reef Colloquium, The Seychelles Ocean Festival Workshops on coral reef of Parties (CoP) to the Convention Education and Public Awareness #DoNotFeedTheFish The third of four action points Germany conservation, Thailand on Biological Diversity (CBD), (CEPA) by Green Fins for the IYOR, To celebrate the IYOR the ZMT held a two-day Several workshops on coral reef conservation were focused on why creating an During the CoP to the CBD ICRI had a stand at the conference to address current research on tropical held to enhance the awareness and knowledge of the unnatural relationship between CEPA fair to showcase a selection of events that coral reefs and their need for protection. There was general public. These covered conservation-related fish and humans is not healthy had taken place during the IYOR. Alongside this a also a screening of 360 Coral Reefs: Life Below the topics such as reef conservation, environmental or sustainable for a balanced presentation was given to visitors at the CEPA fair, Surface. management and marine protected areas. About ecosystem. on the history of ICRI and the IYOR. On the 23 of fifty participants who varied from tour operators, to November ICRI, along with WCS, TOA, TNC, WWF, The third of four action divers, to local people and government officers were points from Green Fins: Official poster of the Seychelles inaugural Ocean Festival. Vulcan Inc., CBD and the UN Environment Program #DoNotFeedTheFish involved in the workshops in Chumphon Province, hosted the ‘Voices of Coral Reefs’ session as part the Western Gulf of Thailand and Trat Province, the The Seychelles Tourism Bureau launched its of Sustainable Ocean Day: Ocean Voices. This day Eastern Gulf of Thailand. inaugural Ocean Festival and the 2018 theme was was concurrent with CBD COP14. This session Green Fins released the IYOR. The festival took place over four days and showcased a Coral included: an official opening at Eden Island, complete Reef Quiz Show. The #HealthyOceanHealthyBusiness The fourth and final action point from Green Fins with a photographic/cinematographic display of old IYOR mural Pointe Larue Secondary trivia quiz questions focused on showcasing pioneering businesses from photographs and films; the screening of an episode were designed school, Seychelles different aspects of the diving industry that are of the BBC’s The Blue Planet; a competition among to challenge the working towards protecting the the NGOs to build and race a raft; volleyball and The IYOR mural was a joint partnership between attendees of Ocean marine environment. football competitions; a competition to build the best the Seychelles IYOR steering committee, the Voices about their Dr. Georg Heiss from the Institute of Geological Sciences of the FU Berlin opening sand castle; a kiddies’ treasure hunt; educational Seychelles Art Foundation, WiseOceans and Pointe coral knowledge. “CAPTURE». Photo credit: Jan Meier (ZMT) stalls set up by the NGOs to advertise aspects of their Larue Secondary School with the aim of creating IYOR stand at the CEPA fair during the CoP CBD. Photo credit: Claire Rumsey work; a beach clean-up; a dedicated edition of Word an inspirational piece of art to raise awareness Up; live music and closing speeches by the minister. of coral reefs and IYOR 2018 in the Seychelles. Flyer created for Sustainable Ocean Day ‘Voices of Coral Reefs’ The mural creation was directed by the George 32 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 33

Discovering the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico L-R Abigail Martínez, Andrea Rivera, María José Hernández, Ernesto Arias, Jose Luis Cabrera, Johanna Calle Triviño, Camilo Cortés Useche and Alonso Britto, at the ‘Discovering the treasures of the 2018 Yucatan Peninsula’. Photo credit: Pau Romero November

TESTIMONIAL: “During the IYOR, Costa Rica began to move clearly and decisively on the path of recovering Camille Studio and conducted by the Seychelles Art held a scientific journalist workshop during the our coral reefs and preventing them from Foundation in 2018, as a side-project collaboration annual meeting “Knowledge – Value” which fifteen disappearing from our oceans. The government, between ‘UP!Seychelles’ an environmental public journalists attended. BreMarE-day ‘IYOR2018 – Into international organizations, NGOs, universities art installation project initiative and WiseOceans the reef!’ was a student symposium at the University Discovering the treasures of the and communities have joined efforts in an easy Seychelles’ School Marine Education Programme of Bremen in cooperation with the Deutsches Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico and natural way, to get the magic and beauty which delivers marine education lessons to Pointe Meeresmuseum in Stralsund (FRG) and was attended of our coral reefs back to our oceans. No one Larue Secondary School. ‘UP!Seychelles’ and the by ninety faculty members and students. The Laboratory of Ecology of Coral Reef Ecosystems questioned whether we should do it, nobody School Marine Education Programme are both (LEEAC) of CINVESTAV hosted ‘Discovering the The 27th Science Festival: asked what he would personally get in return if funded by the Global Environment Facility Small treasures of the Yucatan Peninsula’, an event ‘Coral reefs: from the gene to the ecosystem’, French we do it, we all knew from the first moment that Grants Programme. The mural was funded by local Polynesia “Arrecifes coralinos y su relación involved the dissemination of environmental, it was necessary, and that the effort would be NGO Anba Lao, Seychelles’ Conservation and Climate educational information in the form of film worth it.” Adaptation Trust and the British High Commission sinérgica con la economía, screenings, a sound and light show, photographic Mauricio Méndez-Venegas, Conservation Areas Victoria. The volunteer helpers were seven staff and The twenty-seventh Science conservación, investigación y el exhibitions and talks by experts in the ecology and National System, Environment and Energy twenty students from Pointe Larue Secondary, four conservation of coral reefs. Festival in French Polynesia Ministry, Costa Rica from the George Camile studios, one staff member cambio climático”(Coral reefs and and five volunteers from WiseOceans Seychelles their synergistic relationship with Started in 1991 by the French Ministry of Education, who all helped to create this 80metre mural over five economy, conservation, research IYOR celebration on Diego Garcia, Research and Innovation, the Science Festival is a days. national event, which brings together the scientific and climate change), Costa Rica BIOT community and the general public. For the twenty- seventh Science Festival in conjunction with the IYOR As part of their IYOR celebrations the BIOT Chief Scientific journalist workshop A new conservation initiative on coral reefs has been the theme was ‘Coral reefs: from the gene to the Scientific Advisor gave a talk about the coral reefs, developed for Costa Rica, that allows synergy with ecosystem’. ‘IYOR2018 – Into the reef!’, the economy, conservation, research and climate science and environment of the BIOT. A screening of Alex Tyrrell, UK Germany change in Costa Rica. Chasing Coral was also held, followed by a kayak race Coral Reef Image Bank on Diego Garcia, with the prize of an IYOR T-shirt. November photographer The University of Bremen in collaboration with

IYOR mural Pointe Larue Secondary school. Photo credit: Ben Taylor the Deutsches Meeresmuseum in Stralsund (FRG), 34 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 35 Day of the Coral Reef, Colombia logo. Coral reef discovery event, Reunion 2018 Island (French overseas territory)

Reunion Island, in partnership with the Natural Marine Reserve organized a “coral reef discovery” event, to celebrate the IYOR. The event was open to the general public, and it focused on raising the December awareness of children about coral reefs. The idea was to showcase Reunion Islands’ beautiful reefs and lagoons, and to explain what a reef is and some of National Day of the Coral Reef, the problems they are facing. Staff from the Reunion GLOBAL EVENTS NATIONAL EVENTS Island aquarium attended the event and organized Guam end of year celebration. Photo credit: Tony Azios Colombia activities on waste and the impact of it on coral reefs. Approximately 1,000 people came specifically to Coral reef inspired sculpture, Spain IYOR article in the Emirates Diving Coastal Marine Fishes of São Tomé Marine Science Station (MSS) held In 2008 Colombia participated in the second IYOR participate in the event. Association (EDA) magazine and Principe book launch an IYOR ceremony, Jordan by declaring 5 December “The National Day of Inspired by the plight facing coral reefs and wanting Coral Reefs” under resolution 1597, and it has been Japan held an IYOR Closing Event to highlight the serious issue of coral bleaching, The EDA is a non-profit voluntary federal In celebration of IYOR, “The Coastal Marine Fishes observed every year since. The National Day of Coral The MSS, the research institute in Jordan, held a Paola Idrontino began organization and is accredited by the United Nations of São Tomé and Principe” book was released. The Reefs is an initiative that seeks to raise awareness ceremony in celebration of the IYOR. The event was Coral reef conservation activities by students were her largest sculpture Environment as an International Environmental book presents the most common coastal fishes of in the country about the importance of protecting sponsored by the United Nations Development held on Ishigaki Island and similar activities by yet; Evanescent. This is Organization. The EDA has long supported the IYOR São Tomé and Principe, their size range, habitats, the and conserving existing coral reefs in the Colombian Programme Jordan. Coral reefs are a key part of official IYOR supporters were held across Japan. a 2 metre by 4 metre and featured the 2008 IYOR several times in their depths they are found at, their behaviour, the colours marine territory. For the National Day of the Coral the Gulf of Aqaba; they support a major part of Information regarding the conservation of coral reefs textile and mixed-media monthly magazine. This IYOR was no different with and patterns they exhibit. Reef celebrations in 2018 a presentation about the the subsistence needs and the tourism economy and measures against global warming (which were sculpture which portrays them dedicating a double page spread to the IYOR. state of coral reefs in Colombia and information in Aqaba. The MSS assists Jordan and the local named the ‘cool choice’) were widely disseminated to coral bleaching caused by about the different coral formations was given, with authorities in strengthening their coral reef the general public by experts. All of the participants climate change. This giant special focus on ‘what can I, as an individual do to management capacity. Attendees of the event were acknowledged the importance of increasing efforts sculpture was displayed at prevent further degradation of coral reefs?’ stakeholders, NGOs, community bodies and decision- to conserve coral reefs. the Maritime museum in makers from Aqaba City. All attendees showed their Barcelona. full support of the efforts being made to protect coral Guam end of year celebration Evanescent, sculpture by Paola Idrontino. reefs along the Jordanian coastline. Chasing coral screening and IYOR celebration in discussion, New Zealand A GYOR wrap-up event was held to recognize GYOR Jordan, Eng. Sahl Dudin, Managing Director of participants and to bring together the community Shark release and reef clean-up, Ayla Oasis Development The Coastal Marine Fishes of São Co. giving a presentation The Auckland (New Zealand) branch of IMarEST to envision strategies for continuing the GYOR Tomé and Principe book IYOR on the success of momentum into the future. The event included Thailand dedication. artificial reefs at the Ayla hosted a screening of Chasing Coral. The screening lagoons. Photo credit: was free to attend and open to members of the coral trivia quizzes, prizes, awards and a behind- Eyad Alzgool Thirty-five juvenile bamboo sharks raised by the Thai the-scenes tour of a coral propagation laboratory public, with the intention of increasing awareness Department of Marine and Coastal Resources were at Underwater World. About 100 coral researchers, of the plight of coral reefs and increasing released by twenty schoolchildren and hotel guests understanding of how the public can help, this took managers and community members attended the The IYOR article in EDA at the reef at Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Merlin magazine. the form of an open discussion following the film. event. 36 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 37 IYOR themed log book, gifted to participants of the coral map in Japan. ISRS launched the Coral Reef Designed by Fisako Kun. Conservation Award, United TESTIMONIAL: 2018 Kingdom “The IYOR 2018, was a great chance to unify all the efforts around the world, to help one of the This award was launched as a contribution to IYOR. most important ecosystems on our planet, the Up to two awards will be given annually to ISRS reefs. Also, it was a chance to see what type of members who have made, over a period of some different work others from around the world years, a regionally or globally significant contribution are doing to help in protecting reefs, it was an December to the protection of coral reefs. opportunity to exchange experiences in this field.” Dr Fuad, Al-Horani, Jordan

Beach. The Shark Guardian and the Department of original and catchy way. It is the brainchild of Tara Marine and Coastal Resources gave a presentation PACIFIC and Océanopolis and includes a clear, MAR Fund photography Coral map of Japan Secrets de on the importance of sharks to marine ecosystems science-based textbook and six YouTube videos competition Recifs, New worldwide. Twenty-five local divers then removed covering a range of coral-related topics, made by During the second IYOR (2008), Japan formed the approximately 30 kilograms of marine debris from environmental influencer Léa Camilleri. Coral Map Executive Committee to begin creating a Caledonia the reef, providing a safe environment for the coral map of Japan. Volunteers (including scientists, In its continued juvenile sharks. educators, people from the diving industry and NGO The cover page of ‘Secrets de Récifs’ comic book IYOR closing event, France officials) collected information on coral distribution, mission to educate about coral reefs. bleaching and spawning throughout the country. the youth of New For the third IYOR the MoE and the Coral Map Caledonia on coral reef preservation Pala Dalik in On 18 December an event was held to discuss and Executive Committee collaborated with the official collaboration with the renowned artist Bernard celebrate coral reefs. With roughly 250 people supporters to raise awareness about the project and Berger, author of Tonton Marcel et sa bande, have Kimberly Jeffries, Hawaii Diane Burko, USA attending, it was a good opportunity to present the information gathered by it to encourage more published a comic strip about New Caledonia’s coral France’s involvement in the IYOR 2018 in front of participants. Those who contributed to the coral reefs. Coral Reef Image Bank December photographers many IFRECOR’s stakeholders as well as to the map, were awarded an IYOR themed log book. general public.

The winning image from the MAR Fund photography competition: El corazón del mar. El Arrecife. (The heart of the sea. The reef) by Francisco David Penados Saravia taken in Mahahual, México An IYOR display at Reef HQ Workshop on businesses Aquarium, Australia participation in coral reefs, Under the title ‘Life in the MAR’, MAR Fund held a The Coral Reef Image bank photography competition to promote awareness This display includes messaging about the value of The Coral Reef Image bank continued to grow throughout the IYOR with new photographers joining Bamboo shark release and reef clean-up in Thailand. Photo credit: Karistha Chusing and appreciation of conservation in the MAR. The coral reefs both within Australia and worldwide and competition was aimed at adults living in the four every month. By the end of the year the collection included over 1,000 media-quality photographs In Vietnam a workshop on the role of businesses is demonstrated on a map. A pledge wall was also countries of the Mesoamerican Reef: Mexico, Belize, and videos. Nearly fifty of the world’s top underwater photographers have donated their high-quality in the management and restoration of coral reefs created in Reef HQ Aquarium, encouraging guests to Guatemala and Honduras. Thirty-four photographs imagery. The donated photographs and videos span thirteen different reef regions, with varying (Almost) everything about coral for ecotourism in Khanh Hoa province took place. pledge to take action to reduce their impact on the were submitted. A panel selected the thirteen finalist subject matter; from bleaching, fluorescing and macro, to local communities and tourists interacting Fifty participants came from different governmental reef. These pledges will be placed into a time capsule reefs photographs that have been included in the MAR with the reef. There are now over forty videos free to use and thousands of additional photographs ‘(Almost) everything about coral reefs’ is a departments and the Institute of Oceanography and and buried in the coral reef exhibit to be opened Fund 2019 calendar. The public voted to select the available on request. More than 65,000 individuals and organizations in over 170 countries utilized project that offers coral-related content to environment experts were included. during the next IYOR. three winners. The first-place winner was Francisco and downloaded photographs in 2018, using the images for news articles; scientific and student National Education System teachers who want to David Penados from Guatemala. publications; climate events and social media. communicate coral biology to their students in an 38 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 39

IYOR activities culmination night in the Philippines 2019 A celebratory evening was held in Manila to wrap-up the IYOR in the Philippines. Throughout the evening participants were thanked and key highlights were shared. The evening closed with Departments of Environment and Natural Resources DENR NATIONAL EVENTS Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna saying “Although we are culminating the International Year of the Reef, our efforts must only progress, and not end with this IYOR mural painted on a ‘What do penguins and coral reefs global event. Let us continue to integrate the values government building, Iran have in common?’ of coral reef conservation into the development of the Philippines.” Miss Veysi (manager of Avid Ava Namaye Qeshm Co.) Marji Poutinen, a marine scientist, asked school IYOR Philippines partners at the culmination night. painted the IYOR logo as part of a mural on the front children to draw what they thought penguins and of the Qeshm Department of Environment of QFAO coral reefs have in common in a bid to increase building, in Iran. awareness about climate change. In total 1,246 IYOR posters drawings from eleven countries and 120 schools were submitted. These were printed on fabric The IYOR posters were created as though they As of February 2019: which travelled with eighty women scientists on a were– being made for a brand-new blockbuster • There have been around 1,200 downloads. leadership journey with Homeward Bound where movie, and this was because everyone has • A little over 300 custom poster requests. they launched the flag in Antarctica in January 2019. different preferences and we wanted to make • And over 50 posters to the likes of WWF, AZA, sure everyone who wanted to be involved in the TNC, Lonely Whale and SeaLegacy. Members of the Homeward IYOR would be. bound mission in Antarctica with the ‘kids care about climate change’ flag. Photo credit: Melania Guerra The French Government provided 5000 euros to each of the IFRECOR (French Coral Reef Initiatives) local committees in its overseas territories IYOR outreach actions. Please note that additional These actions were coordinated through the French Committee for IUCN and information on most of included a variety of activities such as a comic book, outing for the events listed in this The IYOR mural painted in Iran, and the artist Miss Veysi. kids in Wallis, a photo exhibit in the streets of Papeete, French Polynesia, the Photo credit: QDOE of QFAO report can be found on Marji Puotinen lying in the middle of the ‘Kids care about climate change’ flag. Photo translation in French of the Mangrove Action Project curriculum in Guyane, or credit: Dr. Sharyn Hickey of AIMS www.iyor2018.org events at the arrival of Route du Rhum in Guadeloupe 40 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 41 Apps related to coral reefs

TINYBOP INC, CREATED CORAL JOURNEY TO THE HEART NeMO-Net Although still in development REEF BY TINYBOP (February 2018) OF CORAL REEFS (December 2018) This interactive video game will teach players how to Coral Reef by Tinybop is the tenth app in Tinybop’s The French Research Institute for Development (IRD) classify corals using satellite images of reef systems STEM series for young scientists. The idea behind this created a mobile app to help inform large numbers from around the world, to help create a global coral version is to encourage children’s natural fascination of people about the importance of coral reefs. data set. with the ocean. Continents5 61Countries Suscribers newsletter & social media

Organizations involved

42 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 43

7,308 2,258 NGOʼs 35 #IYOR2018 #IYOR 19 Governmental 6 agencies

International governmental 123 organizations JUNE Ressources created Busiest month and submitted to the website

Conclusion % 43% stated their activities to do with the IYOR 43 had helped raise awareness about coral reefs 29% stated their activities and the IYOR % had helped improve understanding % 29 of the conservation of coral reefs YEAR IN NUMBERS 28 28% said they had engaged the general public in IYOR activities and the need for

The IYOR 2018 was full of an amazing reef cleans worldwide. It was a great variety and a large number of events, platform to show the general public Continents5 61Countries Suscribers newsletter & social media that collectively brought people from all what governments have been doing TIMELINE IYOR2018 around the world and from all walks of to protect and preserve coral reefs. life and introduced them to coral reefs, The public have been galvanised from Organizations so on this front the IYOR succeeded in landlocked countries to countries with NATIONAL LAUNCHES involved its goal to strengthen awareness globally coral reef to do their bit, to support coral

about the value of, and threats to, coral reefs. 1 FEBRUARY Monaco, Australia Germany 14 JUNE SPREP and Indonesia take over JANUARY reefs and their associated ecosystems. 18 APRIL the presidency of ICRI IYOR on the flag Malaysia in Antarctica 43% stated their activities to do with the 2 FEBRUARY MAY SPREP endorse Guam 28 MARCH 7,308 2,258 NGOʼs 35 28 JANUARY CNMI Thailand the Regional Coral Reef IYOR at the #IYOR2018 #IYOR We asked participants of the IYOR to tell IYOR had helped raise awareness about Japan Action Plan 2020-2030 CBD CoP 19 us what impact they thought their IYOR coral reefs. Governmental activities has had on themselves or their 29% stated their activities and the IYOR agencies 6 organizations and, in summary, here is had helped improve understanding of 2016 2017 2018 2019 International what they said: the conservation of coral reefs. governmental Hosting and holding events within the 28% said they had engaged the general 123 organizations 8 JUNE JUNE Ressources created Busiest month Trinidad and submitted to the website framework of the IYOR has really helped public in IYOR activities and the need for 17-18 MARCH 9 MAY & Tobago Coral Universe: National Day raise awareness about not only the coral reef protection. Seychelles 31 JANUARY Singapore Coral Reefs, when ceramic art, of Coral Reefs, existence of coral reefs, but the plight A huge number of participants asked NOVEMBER DECEMBER Barbados a Challenge for Humanity: ocean science and Colombia Declaration European launch opening of an immersive virtual reality meet they are facing and the very real danger why the IYOR had to end and what they of the IYOR of the IYOR 2018 17 JANUARY photojournalistic exhibition % 43% stated their activities to do with the IYOR 2018 Fiji 8 JUNE had helped raise awareness about coral reefs they are in, on a scale and a across a should/could do to keep it going; to this 43 World Oceans Day platform much larger than what could we say keep doing what you are doing (WOD) 29% stated their activities and the IYOR % had helped improve understanding have been reached otherwise. Children and maybe we will not need a fourth % of the conservation of coral reefs 29 and adults alike have been actively IYOR. 28 28% said they had engaged the general public in IYOR activities and the need for coral reef protection involved in promoting conservation practices and assisting with beach and

NATIONAL LAUNCHES

1 FEBRUARY Monaco, Australia Germany 14 JUNE SPREP and Indonesia take over JANUARY 18 APRIL the presidency of ICRI IYOR on the flag Malaysia in Antarctica 2 FEBRUARY MAY SPREP endorse Guam 28 MARCH 28 JANUARY CNMI Thailand the Regional Coral Reef IYOR at the Japan Action Plan 2020-2030 CBD CoP

2016 2017 2018 2019

8 JUNE Trinidad 17-18 MARCH 9 MAY & Tobago Coral Universe: National Day Seychelles 31 JANUARY Singapore Coral Reefs, when ceramic art, of Coral Reefs, NOVEMBER DECEMBER Barbados a Challenge for Humanity: ocean science and Colombia Declaration European launch opening of an immersive virtual reality meet of the IYOR of the IYOR 2018 17 JANUARY photojournalistic exhibition 2018 Fiji 8 JUNE World Oceans Day (WOD) 44 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT 45 Acronyms Acknowledgements

ASTC – Association of Science-Technology Centres GYOR – Guam Year of the Reef SPREP – The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional BICA – Bay Islands Conservation Association HRH – His Royal Highness Environment Programme With thanks to sponsors: BIOT – British Indian Ocean Territory HSH – His Serene Highness STAPCOR – Status and Protection of Coral Reefs BREEF – Bahamas Reef Environment Educational ICCD – International Coastal Cleanup Day STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering and The coordination of the IYOR 2018, and the Foundation ICRI – The International Coral Reef Initiative Mathematics creation and maintenance of the IYOR website CARESS – Centre for Action Research on Environment IFRECOR – French Initiative for Coral Reefs TOA – The Ocean Agency (www.iyor2018.org) were made possible thanks to Science and Society IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change UNEP – United Nations Environment Programme generous financial support from: the Government CBD – Convention on Biological Diversity IRD – The French Research Institute for Development UNDP – United Nations Development Programme of Sweden, the Government of France, the UN CCC – Coral Conservation IUCN – International Union for Conservation of Nature UPVD – University of Perpignan Environment and the Government of Monaco. CNMI – The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana ISRS – International Society for Reef Studies VDST – German Underwater Federation Islands IYOR – The International Year of the Reef WCS – Wildlife Conservation Society CNRS – National Centre for Scientific Research IYORTT – International Year of the Reef Trinidad and WOD – World Ocean Day CoP – Conference of Parties Tobago WRMA – White River Marine Association CORDIO – Coastal Oceans Research and Development MAR Fund – Mesoamerican Reef Fund ZMT – Leibniz Centre for Tropical Marine Research – Indian Ocean MSS – Marine Science Station CRIOBE – Center for Insular Research and Environment NEPA – National Environment and Planning Agency Observatory) NGCI – National Gallery of the Cayman Islands CTC – Centre NGO – Non-Governmental Organization CZMU – Coastal Zone Management Unit NIWA – National Institute of Water and Atmospheric DEFRA – Department of Environment, Food and Rural Research Affairs NOC – National Oceanographic Centre DNER – Department of Natural and Environmental PMBC – Phuket Marine Biological Center Resources PSL – Paris Sciences and Letters ECRS – European Coral Reef Symposium PYOR – Pacific Year of the Reef EDA – Emirates Diving Association QDOE – Qeshm Department of Environment EPHE – École Pratique des Hautes Études QFAO – Qeshm Free Area Organization FBR – Foundation for Research of Biodiversity RCUK – Reef Conservation United Kingdom GBRMPA – Great Barrier Marine Park Authority RMP – Roatan Marine Park GCRMN – Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network SIST – Sathyabama Institute of Science and Technology GEF – Global Environment Facility SNPA – Seychelles National Park Authorities 46 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF (IYOR) - END OF YEAR REPORT Design : piknetart.com