HONOLULU--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The brightest minds in coral reef science and management will gather in Honolulu, Hawaii for the 13th International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS 2016) at the Hawaii Convention Center on June 19-24, 2016.
As a first time host of this symposium, Hawaii will welcome more than 2,500 coral reef scientists, policy makers and managers from 70 nations to present the latest research findings, case histories and management activities, and especially, to discuss the application of scientific knowledge to achieving coral reef sustainability.
Sanctioned by the International Society for Reef Studies, the research and findings presented at ICRS 2016 are fundamental in shaping international and national policies and the sustainable use of coral reefs.
Coral reefs provide essential ecological, economic and cultural services to the people of tropical and subtropical communities worldwide. Reefs are also important sources of new medicines that treat cancer and other diseases. While scientific knowledge about coral reefs, their structure, function and responses to pollution and stresses has increased over the past few decades, the state of reefs globally has declined, at almost the same rate.
To address the disconnection between scientists and politicians, the theme of this year’s event “Bridging Science to Policy” will focus on:
- Developing strong partnerships between political leaders and the scientific community;
- Improving trust and communications among scientists, policy makers, managers and stakeholders;
- Developing a framework for evaluating the effectiveness of coral reef protection and recovery activities and initiatives by applying the best available science; and
- Guiding efforts for effective allocation of limited financial, human and institutional resources to halt and reverse coral reef decline locally and globally.
ICRS 2016 will also host a Leaders’ Summit, chaired by the President of Palau, His Excellency Tommy E. Remengesau, to address the need for improving the science-to-policy bridge. The Leaders’ Summit will include other key leaders, scientist and decision-makers.
The first Symposium was held in 1969. ICRS has grown from participants representing 11 countries to a global scientific event with 2,500 participants from 70 countries. Previously the ICRS has convened at locations including: India, Japan, the Philippines, Tahiti, Guam, Panama, Indonesia, and Australia. For more information or to register, visit the ICRS website. And follow us on Facebook and Twitter, hashtag #ICRS2016.