Reefs at Risk - Analysis of Threats to Coral Reefs

Reefs at Risk: A Map-Based Indicator of Threats to the World’s Coral Reefs was the first global, quantitative assessment of threats to coral reefs ever conducted. Released in 1998, Reefs at Risk confirmed that coral reefs are seriously threatened in most parts of the world, clearly identified the human activities contributing to this threat, and called for global action.

Throughout the last decade, WRI’s acclaimed Reefs at Risk series - including regional analyses for Southeast Asia and the Caribbean, and local analyses for Sabah, Malaysia and Belize - has stimulated public awareness and interest, political debate, policy development, and scientific discourse. The series has shown decision-makers, politicians and the public where energy and resources must focus to reduce critical threats. Most importantly, the assessments have served to spark an increase in research and conservation investments, and have been used to set regional and local priorities - such as in Sabah, where our analysis aided the development of legislation restricting coastal development.