CORAL TRIANGLE DAY
Every year on June 9th, Coral Triangle Day celebrates the rich resources of this epicenter of marine biodiversity. The day also encourages us to learn more about the Coral Triangle.
There are three mega ecological complexes on our planet. These include the Coral Triangle, the Congo Basin, and the Amazon Rainforest. The Coral Triangle is located in the Western Pacific Ocean.
The triangular-shaped region includes the tropical waters around the following countries:
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Papua New Guinea
- The Philippines
- The Solomon Islands
- Timor-Leste
The Coral Triangle is considered one of eight major coral reef zones in the world. These waters make up just 1.6 percent of the world’s oceanic area. Despite this fact, it is home to 76 percent of the world’s coral species. This area of water has 500 species of reef-building corals. It also contains 37 percent of the world’s reef fish species and half of its razor clam species. Additionally, the Coral Triangle is home to six of the world’s sea turtle species and the world’s largest mangrove forest.
Around 120 million people live around the Coral Triangle. Over two million of these people are fishers who depend on healthy seas to earn a living. There are many things that are causing environmental issues for the Coral Triangle. Some of these issues include climate change, marine pollution, recreational diving, poor marine management, and ocean acidification. For these reasons, the Coral Triangle is the subject of high levels of conservation management. The region’s governments and nature conservation organizations are primarily responsible for these conservation efforts.
HOW TO OBSERVE #CoralTriangleDay
Countries surrounding the Coral Triangle hold a variety of events on this day. These events include beach clean-ups, beach parties, sustainable seafood dinners, bazaars, and exhibitions. All of the events focus on ocean conservation. Even if you don’t have to live near the Coral Triangle, you can still participate:
- Learn about the importance of coral reefs and the diverse marine life they contain.
- Donate to a nature conservation organization that works to conserve the planet’s oceans.
- If you live near the ocean, a lake or river, host a beach clean-up followed by a beach party.
- Surf the internet to look for pictures and videos of marine life in the Coral Triangle.
Spread the word for this day on social media with #CoralTriangleDay.
CORAL TRIANGLE DAY HISTORY
The Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries, and Food Security (CTI-CFF) started Coral Triangle Day in 2012. The event is held every year in conjunction with World Oceans Day, which is held the previous day, on June 8th.
