Environment Minister call to save coral reefs

25 December 2007
Report: Jaxlee

Environment Minister Ahmed Abdullah has said global warming is destroying coral reefs of the world and this is posing serious threats to economic and social development and survival of many countries. Referring to studies, he said about 27% of coral reefs has already been lost and faster loss of coral reefs is inevitable unless global warming is tackled urgently.

Mr. Abdullah who is the Chairman of the South Asia Seas Program was the Chief Guest at the inauguration of the first meeting of the South Asia Coral Reef Task Force held in Colombo yesterday. The meeting was organized by SACEP and attended by delegates from member countries of the Task Force which included marine states of the organization Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He said that coral reefs are so important for sustaining the rich bio diversities of these countries and immediate action is required to protect coral reefs which are marine equivalent of rain forests. He expressed concern about the decline in tuna fishing and referred to a strange incident happening in the Maldives where hundreds and thousands of reef fish have died during the past few months.

The Minister said global warming and climate change has resulted in threats of catastrophic proportions to entire humankind and small island countries like the Maldives are among the most vulnerable to these impacts. He said it is however, encouraging that the recent Bali Conference on Climate Change made historic decisions enabling countries to commit deep cuts in emissions after 2012 period. He said the world share a moral responsibility to agree on meaningful reductions in emissions to save the planet from the peril.

Minister Abdullah stressed the importance of providing people with more evidence-based information and awareness and encourages changes in lifestyle and behavior as a vital means to win the fight against climate change. He warned about the wasteful lifestyles which have a huge impact on this worsening scenario. He said empowering people in this uphill task is absolutely necessary.

The Minister said he hopes South Asia Coral Reef Task Force will become a catalyst in preserving and managing the coral reefs of the region to enable optimal use of these resources. He said that it is very important to select and implement result- oriented program efficiently in the light of dwindling resources.

Sri Lanka's Minister of Environment Champika Ranawake who was Guest of Honor at the meeting also spoke and said it is important that the Task Force engage in useful programs for the benefit of the region. He said coral reefs are vital for these countries and every effort must be made to protect the reefs. SACEP Director General Dr. Boaz thanked members of the Task Force and said he will strive to achieve the objectives and would continue strengthening SCAEP partnership to have more share of the people in the work of the association.