Measures+to+prevent+further+degradation+of+coral+reefs


 * Main points to consider about the issue**
 * Coral Reef Eco-systems play a fundamental role in the cycle of life in the oceans; foundation for marine life
 * Reef systems are an ideal habitat for fish; provide shelter and feeding
 * Without these reefs, many fish species would die out ultimately resulting not only in an ecological disaster but would also affect the economical means for many regions of the world.
 * The ever growing depletion rates create the possibility that within the next 30 to 50 years, the world's coral reef systems could be wiped out
 * Causes of depletion include but are not limited to: slight changes in reef environment, human expansion and development, exponential growth of population, excess amounts of Nitrogen and Phosphorus, destructive practices used to catch fish, Sodium Cyanide fishing methods, constant change of world climate...


 * What the international community has already done to address this issue**
 * United Nations Conference on Environment and Development in Rio de Janeiro in June of 1998: formation of a group of scientist known as the U.S. Coral Reef Task Force
 * Executive Order 13089 issue on Coral Reef Protection, issues by President Clinton, to preserve and protect the biodiversity, health, heritage, and social economic value of U.S. coral reef ecosystems and the marine environment.
 * First ever National Action Plan was released by the Coral Reef Task Force on March 2nd 2002; addressed most pressing challenges.
 * Organizations such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have taken positive steps towards preventing further degradation of these reef systems, working alongside the Task Force.
 * Several zones have been created by the NOAA to further protect the coral reef habitats
 * The Task Force is also responsible for attempting to establish the causes of coral depletion in order to implement solutions and strategies.


 * Your country's point of view about this issue and reasons for this point of view**
 * Within the Colombian Caribbean, there are about 2000 square kilometers of coral reefs. The Reefs at Risk analysis indicates that Colombia's reefs are threatened mainly by human activities, over fishing, land conversion and agricultural activities, coastal development and marine based pollution. Much of the population depend on fish and aquaculture, especially the island based people. It is essential to maintain balanced and healthy Coral Reef ecosystems and Colombia supports all of the efforts made by the US to investigate the causes of coral depletion and to establish and implement solutions and strategies. Colombia sees this as a pressing environmental issue that should be tackled, and believes that the US is successfully targetting it.


 * At least three solutions that your country would propose to address this issue**
 * All capable countries (MEDC's) set up organizations such as the NOAA to further increase study and research among various regions of the world
 * Place restrictions and penalties on harmful fishing methods, such as using Sodium Cyanide which is a destructive method that involves spraying the solution on the coral reefs to stun the fish
 * Teach societies about productive fishing methods that cause no harm to coral reef environments

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= __**Clauses**__ =

a) Understanding coral reef ecosystems to, i. Create comprehensive maps of all coral reef habitats ii. Conduct long-term monitoring, and assess coral reef health and patterns, iii. Respond appropriately to major threats to coral reef health, b) Reducing the significant impacts of human activities, i. Reduce pollution ii. Reduce impacts of extractive issues iii. Reduce habitat demolition iv. Restore damaged coral reefs v. Create an expanded network of No-take reserves vi. Inform the public on coral reef conservation
 * 1.** Requests the creation of a UN based international organization consisting of several research teams with strategies relating to,

a) Incorporating information into school curriculums, b) Addressing the population, specifically the fishing communities c) Creating campaigns to advertise the risks towards coral reefs d) Funding public events related to raising awareness about reefs
 * 2.** Urges governments to inform the public on coral reef conservation through methods including but not limited to,


 * 3.** Recommends that all member nation governments’ place restrictions and implement suitable punishments(small fine, large fine, jail time etc…-depending on the severity of the violation) on persons or groups who violate safe fishing method guidelines and harm coral reefs,