Status of coral reefs of the world: 2020

Abstract

This sixth GCRMN Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020 report is the result of more than three-years of effort, supported by an extensive network of partners, contributors and scientists whose commitment to the monitoring and conservation of coral reefs is gratefully acknowledged. It was possible through the voluntary contributions of almost 2 million observations from more than 300 contributors, from 73 reef-bearing countries. This report provides new findings on the status and trends of the world’s coral reefs and is the first such report in 13 years. It is targeting a large audience from national policy makers, to coral reef managers, and of course, the general public. We hope that this report, and its findings, will help inform decision-makers to set ambitious targets in the global biodiversity framework of the Convention on Biological Diversity, to strengthen the climate action of all countries to keep the Paris 26 Status of Coral Reefs of the World: 2020 Agreement-aligned temperature limit within reach, and revitalize actions to deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals.