Indonesia/Climate change

Indonesia to host conference to tackle climate change's effects on oceans

Article published on the 2009-03-17 Latest update 2009-03-17 15:19 TU

These parasites can destroy a coral reef in less than four weeks
© ARC, center of excellence for coral reef studies.

Officials from 121 countries are slated to attend a conference in Indonesia in May to sign an agreement aimed at reducing the effects of climate change on oceans.

Officials from 121 countries are slated to attend a conference in Indonesia in May to sign an agreement aimed at reducing the effects of climate change on oceans.

The Manado Ocean Declaration will be non-binding but could form the basis for negotiations at the United Nations Framework Convention in Copenhagen at the end of the year, an official said.

The city of Manado will host the World Ocean Conference from 11 May to 15 May. Officials hope to spread global awareness of coastal preservation and fishery conservation.

Overfishing and pollution problems in the Coral Triangle area - bordered by Indonesia, East Timor, the Philippines, Malaysia - will also be discussed.

This region alone amounts for 53 per cent of the world's coral reefs and is thought to be vital to the health of the world's oceans.

Around 1,500 delegates, from government officials to climate change experts, are expected to attend the event.