Two scholars from Stony Brook University have called for increased international cooperation to protect endangered coral reefs. This appeal was made at the third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held in Nice, France.
John Bohorquez, a research associate at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences (SoMAS), was part of a delegation from The New York Climate Exchange. Stephen Hammer, CEO of The Exchange, led this group and emphasized their collaborative approach: “We’re having a conversation about bridging science, policy, and action through collaborative partnerships — exactly what The Exchange was designed to promote.”
Hammer further explained that their participation in the UN Ocean Rise and Coastal Resilience Coalition allowed them to unite partners with mayors, governors, and frontline communities to foster adaptation efforts. He stated their aim is "to create a space where science and community priorities align to catalyze real solutions for coastal resilience."
Stony Brook University serves as the anchor institution for The Exchange. Bohorquez highlighted its commitment to addressing marine ecosystem challenges. Alongside Karine Kleinhaus, SoMAS adjunct professor and co-organizer for the UNOC session, they underscored the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in solving oceanic issues.
Bohorquez remarked on the significance of multinational efforts for coral reef conservation during critical times for both environmental and global politics. Kleinhaus added that while many reefs are dying, some resilient refugia require robust conservation efforts despite political or policy hurdles.
On June 9, Bohorquez led an event showcasing Stony Brook's research on coral reef resilience alongside Hammer and Kleinhaus. They discussed using regional strategies to protect reefs from threats like harmful fishing and pollution as models for international collaboration.
The session hosted by the International Coral Reef Initiative brought together experts from regions such as the Coral Triangle and Caribbean. A notable example presented was the resilience of coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba during a global bleaching event in 2023-2024.
Bohorquez noted that healthy coral reefs have better chances against climate change impacts but stressed that countries must collaborate on other threats contributing to reef decline since 1950. Kleinhaus echoed this sentiment by advocating transboundary collaboration and financed conservation efforts.
Coral reef ecosystems often span international boundaries and connect with distant ecosystems like seagrass beds and mangroves. Sustainable land-use management is crucial for coral health, necessitating coordinated regional actions supported by local conservation efforts.
Bohorquez also advocated financial solutions for ocean conservation due to limited funding. He pointed out that “Life Below Water” remains underfunded among United Nations Sustainable Development Goals with less than $10 billion invested between 2015-2019 compared to an estimated $175 billion needed annually.
A significant outcome from UNOC3 was launching One Ocean Finance's co-design process aimed at unlocking billions in new financing from ocean-dependent industries according to the UN Sustainable Development Group. Bohorquez emphasized partnerships between science communities and financial sectors are essential throughout all phases of ocean finance: “We need them to help raise necessary funds...and make sure investments deliver sustainable ocean futures.”