Countries and partners at the Seventh United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) have taken historic steps to safeguard coral reefs, one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.
Australia, Fiji, and the Maldives signed the Global Commitment to Protect Climate Resilient Coral Reefs, pledging stronger national policies, community-driven action, and international collaboration to protect reefs that sustain livelihoods, food security, and coastal resilience for millions worldwide.
This milestone builds on Fiji’s leadership in securing the first UNEA-7 resolution on “Accelerating Global Action to Promote the Climate Resilience of Coral Reefs,” signaling unprecedented global unity to address climate threats to reefs.
“The future of coral reefs is inseparable from the future of the communities that depend on them. As providers of irreplaceable ecosystem services that benefit us all, coral reefs demand collective action and strong government commitment to accelerate their conservation," says Lily Dali, Marine Programme Coordinator at WWF-Kenya.
"This achievement is a testament to the power of united action. Countries are ready to act decisively to secure the future of coral reefs. Commitment is one thing; now it is time to show action. We need urgent implementation, strong accountability, and leveraged finance and resources to ensure reefs are not just promised protection but truly safeguarded for generations to come,” says Rachel James, Global Coral Reef Rescue Initiative Lead at WWF-Australia.
The Coral Reef Rescue Initiative urges all nations and partners to join this global movement: accelerating investment, scaling community solutions, and holding ourselves accountable to deliver measurable impact.
