The Last Stand for Coral Reefs: Overlooked, Resilient and Essential

​While coral reefs are essential to biodiversity, food security, livelihoods, and coastal resilience, the experiences and conservation efforts of many reef countries remain insufficiently visible in global discussions.

​At COP17, as Parties undertake the first global review of collective progress on the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, this session shifts the focus from commitments to delivery.

​Anchored by the launch of the “Status of Coral Reefs in the World: 2025” and the Red List of Ecosystems, the session will bring together Global South coral reef nations to share how science, policy, finance and partnerships are advancing protection, restoration and resilience.

​The discussion will connect country experience with implementation needs, foster South-South cooperation, and build bridges toward the 2027 UN Ocean Decade Conference in Rio de Janeiro, helping translate coral reef knowledge into scalable, science-based action.