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Workshop Focuses On Saving Coral Reefs

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Contact: Julita Peter

 

Thursday, July 12, 2001 – St Lucia’s Planning, Development and Housing Minister, Hon. Dr. Walter Francois, today called on persons, especially those engaged in agriculture and construction, to desist from practices which endanger the nation’s valuable coral reefs.

 

“Whilst these wonders of nature play a vital role in maintaining a balance in nature, they continue to be under serious threat due to the  practices of coral harvesting for craft production, poor land practices, and the anchoring of vessels in the reefs,” Dr Francois told a two-day workshop looking at effective management and monitoring of the marine resource.

 

The Caribbean Natural Resources Institute (CANARI),  in collaboration with the Soufriere Marine Management Association and the Reef Check Foundation, is sponsoring the workshop which started today. With an emphasis also on data collection, the workshop brings together persons involved in reef monitoring programmes either in the planning and design or implementation.

 

CANARI Research Scientist, Alan Smith, drew attention to global reports pointing to a rapid decline in coral reefs. It is a situation which poses serious concern for countries which depend on reefs for fishing and tourism and requires effective remedial action, Smith said.

 

“There is need for better management of key resources, and better management requires better means of information which comes largely by monitoring,” the scientist said.

 

Representatives of various countries represented at the workshop will discuss progress being made in the implementation of monitoring programmes. There will be discussion on how to replicate any successes with specific reference to the Caribbean.

 

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