Governments fail to protect red and pink coral
Tuesday, March 23, 2010 - 09:14
in Earth & Climate
International governments today failed to grant trade protection to the unique and valuable red and pick corals (Coralliidae) used in jewellery and home decor, despite sound science showing that regulation is needed for their continued survival. SeaWeb, an ocean conservation organisation whose campaign Too Precious to Wear had called for governments to protect Coralliidae under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), called the decision 'a major step backward for the long-term survival of red and pink coral and the industries that depend on them.' Intensive lobbying by coral industry interests occurred in the days leading up to the vote...