International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR – 2018)

•  The International Conference on Status and Protection of Coral Reefs (STAPCOR – 2018) is being held at Bangaram coral Island of Territory of Lakshadweep.
• It was jointly organized by Department of Environment and Forest, Union Territory of Lakshadweep Administration with the technical support of Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and in association with Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Environmental Information System (ENVIS) in consonance with declaration of year 2018 as 3rd decadal International year of Reefs.

About STAPOR:

• The effect of climate change and global warming along with El-Nino on the corals has lead to heavy bleaching internationally during the year 1998. This led to the foundation of STAPCOR with a decision to have ainternational conference in every 10 years to review the status and progress of coral reefs all over the world.

Analysis:

• Coral reefs provide protection and shelter for many species of fish and sea life. From the smallest shrimp to the largest predator, sea creatures find both food and protection on coral reefs. Without these important habitats in which to thrive, fish and sea life will cease to exist.
• Coral reefs slow down the flow of water. And interestingly coral reefs are most likely to have formed where an oceans’ currents and waves are the most powerful. Reefs in places such as the Florida Keys help prevent beach erosion. Without coral reefs many of the world’s most fragile, coastal ecosystems would be unable to thrive.
• Reefs can not exist in murky or polluted waters. Many individual corals and sponges consume particles found in the ocean. In turn, this enhances the clarity and quality of the ocean’s waters. Clean and clear water makes our beaches more beautiful and also allows coral reefs to continue to thrive.
• Coral’s limestone shell is formed by the ocean’s processing of carbon dioxide. Without coral the amount of carbon dioxide in the ocean rises, which in turn, affects all living things on Earth.
• As long as there have been humans, fish have been consumed as a source of protein. The abundance of edible sea life in healthy coral reefs, therefore make them important to human nutrition. Fisheries both large and small depend the coral reef either directly or indirectly, as a source of their livelihood.
• Coral reefs are vital to the tourism industries, creating and protecting many of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Without clear waters and opportunities for recreational exploring through diving and snorkeling, tourist dependent economies collapse.

By: Vishal