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Ten years ago, 1997 was declared the International Year of the Reef (IYOR). The first IYOR campaign was initiated in response to the increasing threats and loss of coral reefs and associated ecosystems, like mangroves and sea grasses. IYOR 97 was a global effort to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs, and support conservation, research and management efforts.
IYOR 97 proved to be very successful, with over 225 organizations in 50 countries and territories participating, over 700 articles in papers and magazines generated, hundreds of scientific surveys undertaken, and catalyzed conservation and policy initiatives, as well as numerous local and global organizations dedicated to coral reef conservation.
Recognizing that ten years after IYOR 97 there continues to be an urgent need to increase awareness and understanding of coral reefs, and to further conserve and manage valuable coral reef and associated ecosystems, the International Coral Reef Initiative designated 2008 as the International Year of the Reef (IYOR 2008).
As a focal point destination for IYOR 2008, Bonaire is coordinating a number of special activities for the year.
The International Year of the Reef was officially launched on Bonaire in January 2008. As part of the IYOR celebration, twelve paintings created by school children will be placed on display throughout the year on a monthly basis for visitors to enjoy.
The Coral Reef Alliance, STINAPA, Earth Echo and TCB are working together to develop a summer-long overarching ecology project that will be launched during IYOR week, continued throughout the summer with monthly updates during each showcase week, and conclude during Love Our Planet Week with a press conference.
Also taking place this year, STINAPA together with TCB and sponsors will launch an educational campaign to teach visitors about the importance of waste reduction for such a small island. It will target two of Bonaire's most hazardous waste products left behind by tourists: plastic bottles and batteries.
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