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Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network (GCRMN)
Description/achievement of initiative

GCRMN works through a global network to strengthen the provision of best available scientific information on and communication of the status and trends of coral reef ecosystems, for their conservation and management. GCRMN is the world’s premier coral reef data network, bringing together a range of government and non-government partners in tracking status and trends of the world's coral reefs. GCRMN covers biophysical variables as well as socioeconomic variables, through the 'SocMon' initiative. The main activity of GCRMN is the preparation of regional and global periodic assessments on the status and trends of coral reefs. This is enabled through development of core variables/indicators, recommended best practice in terms of methodology, and a range of evolving data products and services. GCRMN data and reporting supports tracking of climate change and ocean acidification impacts on coral reefs, as well as progress made towards internationally adopted targets, including SDG 14 and Aichi target 10. Actionable recommendations are provided for coral reef policy and management at national, regional and global levels. Existing mechanisms are utilised to encourage use of findings, including ICRI and its members as well as Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans, which also provide pathways to achieve broad adoption and use of best practice in coral reef monitoring. GCRMN data and reporting also has broad application in awareness raising and outreach. GCRMN is an Operational Network of ICRI, led at the global level by the ICRI Secretariat and UN Environment (as per resolution on GCRMN adopted at ICRI General Meeting 3 and UNEA resolution 2/12). A working group, convened by ICRI Secretariat and UN Environment, functions as a Steering Group as well as a Technical Working Group of GCRMN. At the regional level GCRMN regional committees catalyse monitoring and reporting and lead the preparation of regional reports.

Implementation methodologies

Arrangements for Capacity-Building and Technology Transfer

Coordination mechanisms/governance structure

Partner(s)

France, United States Department of State, Australia, International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), UN Environment, IOC of UNESCO, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), IUCN, CORDIO East Africa, CRIOBE, CEP/SPAW-RAC, SPREP, Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans; national agencies, academic and research institutes and civil society organisations around the world
Progress reports
Goal 14
14.2 - By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans
14.3 - Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification, including through enhanced scientific cooperation at all levels
14.5 - By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information
14.a - Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology, taking into account the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission Criteria and Guidelines on the Transfer of Marine Technology, in order to improve ocean health and to enhance the contribution of marine biodiversity to the development of developing countries, in particular small island developing States and least developed countries
2020
Global report on coral reef status and trends
December 2017
Roadmap for further developing GCRMN as a coastal ocean observation network
December 2017
Pacific Islands and Indian Ocean regional reports on coral reef status and trends
December 2019
Two further regional reports on coral reef status and trends
In-kind contribution
Data is provided voluntarily by participating institutions and individuals, aggregated, analysed and reported through GCRMN
Other, please specify
Financial support for GCRMN operations at global and regional level is provided from multiple sources, often specific to an activity or product (e.g. regional or global report), with core support provided by US Department of State and France
Staff / Technical expertise
GCRMN governance and substantive work is developed based on the technical expertise of partners. Staff at participating institutions dedicate time and expertise to monitoring and reporting through GCRMN

Basic information
Time-frame: 1995 - open-ended
Website
Partners
France, United States Department of State, Australia, International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), UN Environment, IOC of UNESCO, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), IUCN, CORDIO East Africa, CRIOBE, CEP/SPAW-RAC, SPREP, Regional Seas Conventions and Action Plans; national agencies, academic and research institutes and civil society organisations around the world
Countries
Contact information
Jerker Tamelander, Head, Coral Reef Unit, tamelander@un.org
United Nations