Reef celebrations around the globe

CNMI leaders - Fran Castro, Point of Contact for the Coral Reef Initiative Program welcomes the symposium audience. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Ignacio Dela Cruz, Dr. John Joyner, Governor Benigno Fitial and Lt. Governor Timothy Villagomez

CRM - John Starmer, marine biologist for the Coastal Resources Management Office, presents the changes and threats to CNMI coral reefs

MHS my wave club - During the break, Lt Gov Villagomez speaks to the MHS My Wave Students who attended the IYOR symposium

Thursday, February 7, 2008 - 2008 is the year of the reef, many countries and organizations around the globe have launched events, signed proclamations, coordinated festivals or opened museums to commemorate this occasion.

The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) held a press briefing on January 24 and a symposium on January 25, 2008 in Washington, D.C. The briefing brought coral reef experts and managers from the United States, Mexico, France, and Bonaire to officially inaugurate the International Year of the Reef 2008, while the symposium showcased International Year of the Reef (IYOR) activities taking place around the world.

The CNMI was one of the first jurisdictions to launch its International Year of Reef celebration on January 18 with a proclamation signing by Governor Fitial followed by the State of the Reef report by John Starmer, CRM Biologist, and Peter Houk, DEQ Biologist. The report can be viewed at http://www.cnmicoralreef.net/CNMI_reef_ecosystem_2008_phouk2.ppt

Germany launched its celebration on January 25 during the international water sports show, "Boot2008." This is one of the largest water sport, yachting, and diving fair in Europe. Malaysia plans to launch its celebration on February 20.

Guam launched its IYOR celebration with a proclamation on February 1.

Below is a list of countries that have registered their IYOR plans: Australia , Bahamas, Barbados, Bonaire, Brazil, Egypt, Fiji, France, Federated States of Micronesia, Germany, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Pakistan, Palau, Taiwan, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, including, Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands.

For more information about how each country proposes to celebrate the year of the reef, visit www.iyor.org.

Contact:
Reina C. Camacho
Tel: 664-8500
Fax: 664-8540
Email: reinacamacho@deq.gov.mp