UNEP

This report was written to provide an overview, without the use of scientific jargon, of the status of coral reefs and causes of reef decline, with recommendations for action by national authorities. This second edition is a major expansion and improvement on the first edition written in 1998.

Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Teeming with life, they are also one of the world's most productive natural communities. Yet they are under increasing threat. This reference work catalogues the significant coral reefs of the world, their geographical context and ecology, their current condition and status in legislation, and prescriptions for their conservation and sustainable use. Each volume contains detailed maps for each country covered.

Coral reefs are one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems in the world. Teeming with life, they are also one of the world's most productive natural communities. Yet they are under increasing threat. This reference work catalogues the significant coral reefs of the world, their geographical context and ecology, their current condition and status in legislation, and prescriptions for their conservation and sustainable use. Each volume contains detailed maps for each country covered.

This report reveals recent discoveries about the beauty, value and vulnerability of life in the deep seas and in the open ocean. It explores what these astonishing findings mean for current oceans governance, what the impacts are of present and potential human activities, and what can be done to promote effective and sustainable management of the riches of the deep and open oceans.

The tsunamis of Sunday 26 December 2004 struck without apparent warning on a clear day. Not only was there a devastating loss of life, but coastal resources and infrastructure in the Indian Ocean suffered massive destruction as well. This book focuses on the impacts on the natural coastal resources, especially the coral reefs and associated ecosystems, and the responses by the international community.