International Declaration of Reef Rights 2007

Summary

In March 2007, the organization Reef Check launched the International Declaration of Reef Rights. The Declaration recognizes that all coral reefs have the right to be free from different harms, including pollution, over-fishing, and coral diseases. The Declaration also includes a pledge for signees to abide by principles protecting coral reefs, including reducing greenhouse gases emissions and supporting environmentally friendly development that does not damage coral reefs.

The Declaration has been signed by citizens from 157 countries, as well as leaders in government, science, and art. On 5 September 2007, the President of Palau (Tommy Esang Remengesau, Jr.), President of the Federated States of Micronesia (Emanual Mori), and President of the Republic of the Marshall Islands (Kessai Note) signed the International Declaration at the 7th Micronesia Presidents’ Summit.

President Remengesau of Palau stated, “The Presidents and people of Micronesia recognize that the preservation of our coral reefs is critical to not only our economic survival, but also to our cultural survival. Taking into consideration the fact that 2008 will be the International Year of the Reef, we felt it was totally appropriate that Micronesia take the lead in combating the degradation of coral reefs throughout the world by signing the International Declaration of Reef Rights.”

Reef Check is a non-profit organization leading citizens to promote stewardship of sustainable reef communities worldwide. The organization has headquarters in California and volunteer teams in more than 40 countries and territories.

Involved Organizations