IUCN

Corals are a vital component of marine ecosystems. They provide food and protection for a huge variety of fish and marine life; are crucial to sustaining livelihoods among coastal populations; and a key mechanism for ensuring the protection of low-lying coastal areas. Despite their importance, the world’s coral reefs are being destroyed and disappearing at an alarming rate.

Islands are among the richest, most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Today, in the face of growing threats such as climate change, they are also among the most vulnerable. In early 2006 IUCN launched an initiative to explore options for ecosystem management and restoration in small island developing states (SIDS).

Islands are among the richest, most diverse ecosystems on the planet. Today, in the face of growing threats such as climate change, they are also among the most vulnerable. In early 2006 IUCN launched an initiative to explore options for ecosystem management and restoration in small island developing states (SIDS).