Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Sponsoring Organisations, Coral Reef Programmes and Monitoring Networks
Coral Reefs, to be released in early 2001, which represents the culmination of six years of
coral reef mapping with the latest information on the distribution of coral reefs world-wide.
Colour maps will show the location of reefs, along with major population centres, forests,
including mangrove forests, marine protected areas, and also dive-centres (defined as
centres offering certified training courses). Maps will be accompanied by text describing
the distribution and status of coral reefs in each country. Data tables will provide national
statistics, including information on biodiversity, socioeconomics, and protected areas. A
global section of the Atlas will address general issues of reef distribution and biodiversity,
as well as human use of reefs, using maps wherever appropriate. Historically and modern
reef maps will also be included. Following a major report on the legal (CITES regulated)
trade in corals, UNEP-WCMC has started a major assessment of the trade in other ‘marine
ornamentals’ including fish for the aquarium trade, in collaboration with the Marine
Aquarium Council and members of the industry. The aim is foster a better understanding of
this trade, and ascertain the impacts with the goal of developing a well regulated and
sustainable trade that operates through certification schemes. UNEP-WCMC continues to
maintain a global database on marine protected areas, with 3600 listings of which only 560
contain coral reefs. These and other data are increasingly being used by agencies and
individuals world-wide. UNEP-WCMC is committed to increasing the accessibility of its
coral reef information, both through collaboration with partners such as ICLARM, WRI,
GCRMN and through increasing presentation of information on the internet. For additional
information on the UNEP-WCMC reef-related activities, contact: Mark Spalding
(mark.spalding@unep-wcmc.org) or Ed Green (edmund.green@unep-wcmc.org), UNEP-
World Conservation Monitoring Centre, 219 Huntingdon Road, Cambridge, CB3 0DL, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1223 277314; Fax: +44 (0)1223 277136; web site: www.unep-wcmc.org
WORLD BANK – ENVIRONMENT DEPARTMENT
The World Bank is an international financial institution dedicated to the alleviation of
poverty. The Environment plays a crucial role in determining the physical and social well
being of people. While poverty is exacerbated by deteriorating conditions in land, water
and air quality, economic growth and the well being of communities in much of the
developing world, continues to depend on natural wealth and the production of
environmental goods and services. As a result, the Bank is committed to integrating
environmental sustainability into its programmes, across sectors and regions and through its
various financial instruments. Reducing vulnerability to environmental risk, improving
people’s health, and enhancing livelihoods through safeguarding the environment are the
hallmarks of the Bank’s emerging Environment Strategy. Support for coral reef conservation
and sustainable use is consistent with this theme, as it potentially affects millions of people
around the world. The challenge for the Bank and its many partners in coral reef
conservation, such as ICRI and GCRMN, will be to help communities capture the benefits
from the sound management of coral reefs to meet immediate needs, while at the same
time ensuring the sustainability of these vital systems for generations to come. For
information on the Environment Department, contact: Marea E. Hatziolos, Environment
Department MC5-845, The World Bank, 1818 H. St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20433 USA
Tel: +1 202 473-1061; Fax: +1 202 522-0367; E-mail: Mhatziolos@worldbank.org
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