At an emergency session during the biodiversity summit on Wednesday, the United Nations (UN), alongside leading scientists and government representatives, issued an urgent plea for increased funding to protect coral reefs facing imminent extinction.
This call to action highlights the critical state of the world\’s coral reefs, which are essential to marine biodiversity and coastal economies. The reefs not only support a vast array of marine life but also provide food and livelihood for millions of people, particularly in Asian coastal regions.
“Coral reefs are the rainforests of the sea, and their loss would be catastrophic,” emphasized a UN spokesperson during the session. “We must act now to ensure their survival for future generations.”
The alarming rate of coral bleaching, primarily caused by rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification, has left many reefs severely damaged. Without immediate intervention, scientists warn that these ecosystems could disappear entirely within decades.
Governments and international organizations are urged to allocate more resources toward reef conservation efforts, including reducing carbon emissions, combating pollution, and supporting sustainable fishing practices.
Asian nations, home to some of the most diverse and extensive coral reef systems, stand at the forefront of this global initiative. Collaborative efforts in the region could play a pivotal role in reversing the decline and preserving these natural treasures.
The emergency session concluded with a consensus on the need for collective action. As the biodiversity summit progresses, stakeholders hope that concrete commitments will be made to safeguard the future of coral reefs worldwide.
