With the year only half way through it’s not too late to get involved to protect our precious coral reefs. 

“Project AWARE calls for divers to take action for coral reefs and sign the IYOR Pledge. Coral reefs have existed for 200 million years and are known as, ‘the rainforests of the sea.’ They are vital to maintaining the diversity and health of our world’s delicate ecosystems. However, our coral reefs are threatened from many human activities including, global warming, destructive fishing practices and pollution,” said Mike Holme Associate Director of Project AWARE. 

The IYOR pledge asks divers to sign their commitment to coral conservation and take action in five simple ways.  Divers can participate in Project AWARE’s activities to bring their pledge to life. To take the pledge go to www.projectaware.org or request a postcard from Project AWARE. 

Five simple actions include:

1. Tell three people how reefs enrich our lives and ask them to take the IYOR pledge.
2. Take part in a coral conservation activity such as CoralWatch Monitoring. Remember 20 September 2008 is International Cleanup Day which offers a perfect opportunity to take action for coral conservation
3. Be an AWARE Diver and follow Project AWARE’s Ten Ways a Diver Can Protect the Underwater environment and Ten Tips for Underwater Photographers to protect fragile marine ecosystems.
4. Remember not to purchase souvenirs from coral or other threatened species.
5. Reduce your carbon footprint. Switch to compact florescent light bulbs.

Kids can get involved too by entering the IYOR Art contest. Have them send their marine masterpieces to Project AWARE by 30 September 2008. Check out details on the website under the AWARE Kids section.

“To celebrate International Year of the Reef we hosted a Coral Presentation at the local school for 64 students. IYOR has really started something long-term, and we hope there will now be more children in particular who will care for the underwater world,” said Sandra Abram Aquamarine Diving Bali.