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South Asia Workshop Advances Regional Collaboration for Status of Coral Reefs of the World

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The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN) successfully hosted the South Asia Online Data Collation Workshop on January 21, 2024. Held in partnership with the South Asia Co-operative Environment Programme (SACEP)  and the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), this event marked a significant milestone in preparing the “Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2025” report. 

Representatives from Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Pakistan and Sri Lanka convened to share insights into their national coral reef monitoring efforts. Their contributions underscored the South Asia regions vital role as a biodiversity hotspot. Covering 4.2% of the world’s total coral reef area, the region’s ecosystems are globally significant, hosting unique and endemic species. 

The workshop agenda highlighted the GCRMN’s data collation process, methodologies for monitoring, and strategies for strengthening regional collaboration. A central focus was on sharing best practices and identifying key data contributors for the South Asia chapter of the 2025 report. 

SACEP Director General, Mr Norbu Wanghuck, closed the workshop with a passionate call for regional collaboration for the monitoring and consideration of the region’s coral reefs, and Ms Priyankari Alexander highlighted SACEP’s priority to reinvigorate the South Asia Coral Reef Task Force, originally launched in 2007.

GCRMN extends its gratitude to SACEP for their steadfast support and leadership in regional marine conservation efforts. 

The workshop concluded with actionable outcomes, including identifying data providers and setting next steps for integrating and validating regional data. This collective effort ensures a strong foundation for South Asia’s contributions to the 2025 global report. 

GCRMN thanks all participating countries for their valuable contributions and commends the collaborative spirit that defines this critical initiative. Together, these efforts safeguard the unique coral reef ecosystems of the South Asia region for generations to come.

Hard coral cover and Algal cover for the region from the "Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020"

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