Two scholars from Stony Brook University have emphasized the need for international cooperation to protect endangered coral reefs at the third United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France. John Bohorquez, a research associate at the School of Marine and Atmospheric Sciences, was part of a delegation from The New York Climate Exchange. Stephen Hammer, CEO of The Exchange, stated that they are “having a conversation about bridging science, policy, and action through collaborative partnerships.”
Stony Brook University serves as the anchor institution for The Exchange. Bohorquez highlighted the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in addressing marine ecosystem challenges. He noted that their participation drew attention to multinational efforts for coral reef conservation during critical times.
Karine Kleinhaus, an adjunct professor at SoMAS and co-organizer for the UNOC session, stressed the resilience of certain coral refugia despite warming oceans. She called for robust conservation efforts irrespective of political challenges.
Bohorquez led an event on June 9 to showcase Stony Brook’s research on coral reef resilience. The session was hosted by the International Coral Reef Initiative and included experts from regions like the Coral Triangle and the Caribbean. A key example discussed was the resilience of coral reefs in the Gulf of Aqaba against global bleaching events.
Bohorquez pointed out that “coral reefs have the best chance for surviving climate change impacts when they are otherwise healthy.” Kleinhaus added that “transboundary collaboration and financed conservation efforts” are crucial for these ecosystems’ survival.
The interconnectedness of coral reef ecosystems with other marine and terrestrial systems underscores the need for coordinated regional actions. Bohorquez also advocated for financial solutions to address ocean conservation funding gaps. He supported One Ocean Finance’s co-design process aimed at unlocking new financing sources.
Bohorquez concluded by emphasizing partnerships between science communities and financial sectors to ensure effective investments in ocean sustainability.
