NOAA's Reporter's Coral Reef Tip Sheet
November 10, 1997 - Week 45

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has established a new web site, http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/~icri, to focus on the plight of the reefs and the actions necessary to reverse the trends towards their degradation.

ICRI, an eminent international coral reef organization established in 1994, is a partnership among nations and organizations seeking to implement international agreements for the benefit of coral reefs and related ecosystems. Founded by eight governments -- Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States of America - ICRI has come to encompass the participation of additional partners from governments, United Nations organizations, multilateral development banks, environmental and developmental NGOs and the private sector.

The ICRI "Framework for Action" has mobilized both governments and a wide range of other stakeholders to establish ecosystem and community-based management of coral reefs worldwide.

Following up on the International Year of the Reef, the ICRI Secretariat has taken stock of progress towards implementing the ICRI Framework for Action and looked forward to prospects in the upcoming International Year of the Ocean.

The assessment is contained in ICRI's latest Information Update, which can be found on the new website. Highlights include the completion of a worldwide series of regional workshops and a growing emphasis on regional capacity development.

The most significant item foreseen during the coming year will be a major International Tropical Marine Ecosystem Management Symposium, to be held in Townsville Australia, home of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority. The event is expected to be the premier coral reef event during the International Year of the Ocean. More information on the Symposium can also be found on the new web site. (http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/~icri)

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF THE REEF , PLEASE CONTACT: