Hey coastal lovers! 🌊 The World Coastal Forum just kicked off with a bang as the Global Coastal Ecosystem Status Report made its debut. Jointly compiled by the Ministry of Natural Resources of the Chinese mainland and the International Union for Conservation of Nature, this is the world's first 360° check-up on our planet's shorelines.
Coastal ecosystems are nature's busy hubs, where land, rivers and oceans meet. Think vibrant coral reefs off the coast of Bali, sneaky mangrove roots weaving through Bangladesh's Sundarbans, and seagrass beds swaying near Phuket. These zones pack a serious punch for biodiversity and give us some epic services—like shielding communities from storms and supporting fish farms that feed millions.
So, what did the report find? There's some 🧐 interesting zonal magic happening:
- In the tropics: 88% of all seagrass beds, 97% of mangroves and 99% of coral reefs live here. Hello, South Andaman coast! 🌴
- In temperate zones: 69% of salt marshes plus the bulk of kelp forests and mollusk reefs call these cooler waters home. ❄️🐚
This first-of-its-kind snapshot lets policymakers, scientists and even eco-conscious travelers see where our shores are thriving or need extra love. Whether you're planning a diving trip around Tioman Island or volunteering for a beach cleanup in Sri Lanka, this data can help you make smarter choices. 🐢💚
Stay tuned as the report fuels fresh conversations on coastal conservation at WCF. After all, healthy coasts = healthy communities and happy vacations!
Reference(s):
World's first coastal ecosystem status report released at WCF
cgtn.com
