Rebekah Mintzer
Source: MediaGlobal [1]
February 8 2010

The UN International Year of Biodiversity 2010, presents a challenge for world leaders - prevent degradation of the planet's most species-rich areas or suffer the consequences in the future. Coral reefs are incredibly diverse ecosystems and yet are among the most at-risk for disappearing. According to The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity (TEEB) study, it is estimated that one-fifth of coral reefs have already been degraded by humans or are on the brink of destruction.

"The livelihoods, cultures, and futures of the people of Small Island Developing States [SIDS] are inextricably linked with the coral reefs surrounding them," Gabriel Grimsditch of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) told MediaGlobal . "Marine biodiversity in coral reefs is indispensable for SIDS because it provides them with most of their food and livelihoods through fishing, as well as providing them with protection from storm surges and coastal erosion."

To read the full text of the article, click here [2].