In a move that underscores their dedication to coral conservation, Francis and Tom have been appointed to the IUCN SSC Coral Specialist Group (CSG), adding their expertise to a collective effort aimed at safeguarding one of the planet’s most vital ecosystems.
The CSG serves as a beacon of collaboration, uniting leading scientists, practitioners, and conservationists under the Species Survival Commission of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). With a focus on expert consensus, the CSG endeavours to achieve critical objectives, including updating the global extinction risk on the IUCN Red List, identifying conservation priorities, and crafting actionable strategies to enhance the status of coral reefs.
As a Specialist Group, the CSG follows the gold standard of the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. By identifying and prioritising at-risk coral species, monitoring threats, and analysing conservation actions, the CSG aims to guide its efforts effectively, ensuring the long-term survival of these invaluable ecosystems.
Nominated as a Top 15 Coral Reef Research Contributor by Eco Magazine in 2020, the CSG has garnered recognition for its rigorous work, particularly in conducting Red List assessments of coral species.
Francis and Tom join the CSG at a pivotal moment, bringing their expertise on a range of critical actions, including:
- Updating the Global Red List of Threatened Reef-building Coral Species.
- Informing global policy and decision-making processes with the extinction status of reef-building corals.
- Promoting the production of biodiversity data for reef-building corals through the adoption of new technologies.
- Identifying regional conservation priorities for Scleractinia corals and developing strategies to improve their status.
- Updating the Coral Red List Index of Species Survival and prioritising critical knowledge gaps and research needs.
- Communicating findings relevant to the CSG to a broad range of audiences.
With Francis and Tom joining the CSG, it underpins the Blue Pangolin Consulting team’s shared commitment to the conservation of coral reefs for future generations and the planet. As members of the IUCN SSC Coral Specialist Group, they will play a vital role in shaping the trajectory of coral conservation efforts on a global scale.
For more information about the IUCN SSC Coral Specialist Group, visit here.
