International Year of the Reef 2008


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Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP)

Contact

Sereima Savu
2008 Pacific Year of the Reef Campaign Coordinator
Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme
P O Box 240
Apia, Samoa
Email: sereimas@sprep.org
Web site: http://www.sprep.org/PYOR/

The 2008 Pacific Year of the Reef camapign is a regional initiative facilitated by SPREP to incite action to save the Pacific's coral reefs. The campaign has three objectives:

  • Promote coral reef conservation initiatives
  • Promote behaviour change
  • Raise awareness of the economic value of coral reefs and their vital role in adapting to climate change

The campaign slogan of "Strong Reefs, Strong Islands" emphasises the close connection between healthy reefs and the integrity of the Pacific islands and societies.

SPREP has developed a range of activities for different audiences and encourages Members to adapt and implement appropriate activities or develop their own. Activities developed as part of the regional campaign aim to promote two key messages: "Coral Reef: Provider, Protector" and "Time for action".

SPREP's role in the campaign is to implement regional actions and act as a clearinghouse for information, including supporting national campaign plans, and disseminating news on funding opportunities.

Events calendar

  • January:
    • Launch of the International Year of the Reef, Washington DC
    • Legends of the Reef and challengecoralreef guidelines and workbook available for schools competitions
  • February: Regional launch of the Pacific Year of the Reef, Vanuatu
  • March:
    • National launches
    • Start of Phase 2 of secondary schools competition
    • Closure of primary schools competition and Phase 1 of challengecoralreef
  • April:
    • National events continue
    • Annoucement of winner of primary schools competition
  • May: Closure of Phase 2 of secondary schools competition
  • June: World Environment Day celebrations (5 June)
  • July:
    • End of Phase 3 of secondary schools competition
    • International Coral Reef Symposium, Florida, USA
    • Pacific Year of the Reef artists’ workshop, Pacific Arts Festival, Pago Pago, American Samoa
  • August: Regional and national events continue
  • September: Coral Reef Forum: SPREP Annual Meeting
  • October: Regional and national events continue
  • November: Regional and national events continue
  • December: Reflections on the Pacific Year of the Reef

    Resources

  • 2008 Pacific Year of the Reef brochure (PDF File)
  • Pacific to work on saving our coral reefs next year
    SPREP, October 24, 2007
  • 2008 Pacific Year of the Reef
    SPREP, October 11, 2007