Pacific coral reefs are among the region’s most valuable natural assets, underpinning food security, livelihoods, cultural identity and national economies. The Pacific coral reef ecosystems also support fisheries, tourism, coastal protection and the customary practices and knowledge systems of communities whose lives are closely connected to the ocean. However, the coral reef ecosystems face escalating pressures from climate change, particularly rising sea temperatures, marine heatwaves, coral bleaching, ocean acidification and increasingly severe storms. These climate-driven pressures interact with local and regional threats, including pollution, sedimentation, unsustainable fishing, coastal development and habitat degradation. Their combined pressures threaten the ecological integrity of coral reefs and the wellbeing and resilience of Pacific communities. From the Climate Change Pre-COP31 held in Fiji to the CBD COP17 held in Yerevan, Armenia, the messages and conversation around Coral Reefs are clear. 1.5°C is not negotiable for Pacific reefs. Results from the IUCN Red List of Coral Reef Ecosystems show that coral reefs everywhere are at extreme high risk of collapse. At 1.5°C warming, around 70 – 90% of reefs may be lost. At 2°C warming up to 99% of reefs could vanish. Healthy reefs and mangroves ecosystems are the region's most cost-effective adaptation. Local action delivers on regional and global goals. Finance must match ambition. Pacific nature needs funding that is fit for purpose, flexible, accessible and coordinated, not fragmented. COP31 provides an opportunity to elevate the Pacific’s coral reef priorities within the global climate agenda, communicate the latest scientific evidence, showcase regional achievements and mobilise the partnerships and financing needed to accelerate implementation of the Pacific Coral Reef Action Plan 2021–2030. The side event would position Pacific coral reefs as a compelling example of why ambitious climate action must be accompanied by sustained investment in ecosystem resilience, community stewardship and science-based ocean management.

Venue

Moana Blue Pacific Pavilion

Speakers

Mr. Sefanaia Nawadra, Director General (SPREP), Ambassador Amena Yauvoli, Director – Biodiversity Conservation Programme (SPREP), Dr. Manuel Gonzalez-Rivero, Global Coordinator for GCRMN and Research Tem Leader for Australian Institute of Marine Science (tbc), Dr. Sivendra Michael, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change of Fiji (tbc), Ocean-Climate Youth Leader (tbc), Ms. Mae Burton-Adams, Chief Executive Officer of Micronesia Conservation Trust (tbc), Ms. Pepetua Latasi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Climate Change of Tuvalu (tbc), Ambassador Peter Thomson (tbc)