Food security should open the conversation about biodiversity for coral reef-dependent countries

  As noted in IUCN Resolution 105, the world has already lost 50% of its coral reefs and time is running out to prevent more from disappearing. This loss is largely due to climate change and more acidic waters, pollution, sedimentation, overfishing and destructive fishing practices. All nations must work hard to preserve the critical ecosystem services provided by coral reefs. Our very survival, especially those of us from Small Island Developing States (SIDS), are directly linked to the health of our reefs; writes Jean Wiener of Fondation pour la Protection de la Biodiversité Marine (FoProBiM) (Haiti), an IUCN Member organisation.