International Year of the Reef 2008

The ICRI International Year of the Reef 2008 is a worldwide campaign to raise awareness about the value and importance of coral reefs and threats to their sustainability, and to motivate people to take action to protect them. All individuals, corporations, schools, governments, and organizations are welcome and actively encouraged to participate in IYOR 2008.

Upcoming Events:
Take the "Right Route" - Part II
Everyone has a responsibility to the world we live in now and the world we will leave to future generations. Take a first step to reduce your carbon footprint and "Take the Right Route" October 10th by walking, running, biking, or carpooling to work or school. You will save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive, save money, and maybe even your waistline.

Register with: Energy Office Tel: 670-664-4480/01 Fax: 670-664-4483 Email: energy@pticom.com

Scavenger Hunt
From ridge to reef, participants will learn about nonpoint source pollution and water quality through a scavenger hunt at the Tapotchao/Garapan watershed

Register with: Brooke Nevitt, Coastal Resources Management, Tel: 670-664-8300 Fax: 670-664-8315


Recent Successful Events:

Corals of the Marianas
A 12-month calendar beautifully displaying the corals of the Marianas, featuring MPAs, popular beach sites, environmental tips & goals and CNMI tide charts, was distributed at the recently held "IYOR Celebration" on January 18, 2008 at the Hyatt Regency Sandcastle.

IYOR Celebration (Proclamation/Exhibition)
Kicking off the IYOR celebration, Governor Fitial signed a proclamation on January 18, 2008, proclaiming 2008 as the Year of the Reef. CRM and DEQ biologists presented the CNMI's State of the Reef. Dr. Houk's presentation is available at CNMI Coral Reef . Net

The "Right Route"
Everyone has a responsibility to the world we live in now and the world we will leave to future generations. Take a first step to reduce your carbon footprint and "Take the Right Route" April 11th by walking, running, biking, or carpooling to work or school. You will save one pound of CO2 for every mile you don't drive, save money, and maybe even your waistline.

Cook A Rainbow
The CNMI held various cooking contests and this year, to commemorate the IYOR, the CNMI would like to feature a reef fish as the main ingredient, in addition to the rainbow of vegetables required. Participants and audiences will learn about food sustainability, role of MPAs and healthy recipes.

For more information about the year of the reef or to learn what other countries are doing, visit the IYOR site. You may also visit the CNMI coral reef website to learn more about coral reef management, monitoring, and local action strategies at CNMI Coral Reef.

The following documents are available regarding this topic:

IYOR list of proposed activies (pdf)

Take the Right Route

Cook A Rainbow Registration Form (due on March 10)