During the International Year of Forests it is also important to consider the coral reefs because they are “colorful underwater forests”.
Great Barrier Reef @ Bruno Maia
The largest underwater living organism in the world is the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia.
United Nations declared 2011 as the International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development for all types of forests.
Recent studies have provided evidence, based on examples from around the world, that climate change is having profound impacts on coral reefs.
Great Barrier Reef @ Bruno Maia
Theme: “Forests for people” / “Corals for people”
One of the problems of the climate change impacts is the cascading effects generated by a loss of reef ecosystems with huge economic effects on food security for hundreds of millions of people dependent on them. So, it is better to take action to reduce these impacts.
Great Barrier Reef @ Bruno Maia
“I like the underwater images of the Great Barrier Reef.
How could I help to keep it as alive and beautiful as I see in these images?”
First, I will try to reduce my ecological footprint (at home, with transportation, eating,..):
http://www.wwf.org.au/footprint/calculator/
No matter which country I live in, my lifestyle is impacting the Great Barrier Reef!
And, if I decide to visit this UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site
I will check the Green Passport campaign from UNEP:
http://www.unep.fr/greenpassport/
search for a certified tour operator in Ecotourism Australia:
http://www.ecotourism.org.au/
and get more info on the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority website:
http://www.gbrmpa.gov.au/