Page 13 - Climate Conference - EBook 2023: Al-Qasemi Academy

Title: Safeguarding the Resilient Coral Reefs of the Northern
Red Sea: The Urgent Need for Regional and National
Conservation Efforts
Prof. Maoz Fine

The Silverman Institute of Life Sciences, the Hebrew University of
Jerusalem The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science, Eilat

ABSTRACT
The coral reefs of the northern Red Sea are home to a remarkable array of biodiversity and
display a unique resilience to global warming, providing hope for the preservation of coral
reefs worldwide. However, this region is under threat from the effects of climate change
and human activities, necessitating urgent conservation efforts at both regional and
national levels. To achieve effective protection of the Gulf's coral reefs, strong political
leadership and transborder cooperation and coordination are essential. A clear and
focused region-wide strategy is required to engage local and national governments, critical
stakeholders, and communities, and to secure the resources needed. This effort will
require effective "coral reef diplomacy" and international coordination. The success of
these efforts could focus existing local management plans to ensure the sustainable
development of coastal areas and protect the livelihoods of millions of people. It would
preserve the Gulf of Aqaba's unique reefs, irreplaceable history, and resources for
countless future generations. In this presentation, we will provide an overview of the
current state of the northern Red Sea's coral reefs, the threats they face, and the urgent
need for regional and national conservation efforts.
Biography: Department of Ecology, Evolution & Behavior, Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The
Hebrew University of Jerusalem
The Interuniversity Institute for Marine Science in Eilat, P.O.B 469 Eilat 88103, Israel
EDUCATION
1998-2003: Ph.D. (Summa cum laude), Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University, Thesis title:
Bleaching of the Mediterranean coral Oculina patagonica: colony physiology to population ecology.
Supervisor Prof. Yossi Loya.
1997-1998: M.Sc., Marine Biology, Department of Zoology, Tel Aviv University
1993-1996: B.Sc., Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Tel Aviv University
Current position:
2021-present: Full Professor, The Alexander Silberman Institute of Life Sciences, The Hebrew
University of Jerusalem