Australia has signed a world-first global pledge to protect climate-resilient coral reefs.
Australia signed the commitment at the 7th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7).
By joining, governments commit to:
- protect reefs using the best available science
- integrate climate-resilient reefs into national biodiversity and climate plans
- reduce local threats such as overfishing, pollution, and unsustainable development
- mobilise new global finance for coral reef conservation
- track and report progress through robust reef monitoring
- ensure solutions are fair, inclusive, and grounded in local stewardship
Coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean yet support a quarter of all marine life. They also support nearly one billion people worldwide. Protecting reefs globally is critical.
More than 70% of reefs around the world are threatened by climate change. These reefs are experiencing severe coral bleaching.
Climate-resilient coral reefs are more able to survive, recover from and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Australia is leading one of the world's largest collective efforts to support a climate-resilient Great Barrier Reef.
The Reef Restoration and Adaption Program (RRAP) is developing world-leading solutions. Solutions to manage the impact of warmer oceans on coral reefs. Solutions that could be applied to reefs around the world.
They include:
- growing resilient corals that have more tolerance to heat
- deploying large numbers of healthy young corals on the Reef to fast-track recovery
- cooling and shading to prevent or reduce stress on coral reefs
Australia is committed to supporting global efforts to protect climate-resilient coral reefs.
RRAP is funded through the Reef Trust Partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. It is delivered by a range of partners, including:
- research institutes
- universities
- others.
