As the 2024 CIBJO Congress approaches on 2nd November, the ninth pre-congress Special Report has been released. Prepared by the CIBJO Coral Commission, headed by Vincenzo Liverino, the report examines the industry’s commitment to sustainability and its efforts to conserve both precious and non-precious coral resources.
The report underscores the importance of science in ensuring the sustainability of precious coral while also addressing the threats faced by reef corals due to global warming and ocean acidification. Vincenzo Liverino highlights the shared global environmental concerns and the industry’s dedication to utilising its knowledge to protect and restore shallow-water reefs.
Established a decade ago, the CIBJO Coral Commission has brought together scientists and industry experts to preserve the viability and tradition of coral gem materials. The commission has developed guides for the classification and identification of coral gem materials, which are now used worldwide.
The 2024 Special Report includes a study by Prof. Roberto Vona, Prof. Mauro Sciarelli, and Dr. Lorenzo Turrizziani, which highlights the positive impact of the coral fishing and processing sector on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors. The study concludes that the coral sector represents a clear example of integrated sustainability, contributing to marine ecosystem conservation, cultural heritage preservation, and economic growth.
Dr. Laurent Cartier of the Swiss Gemmological Institute SSEF contributed to the report by describing a study that used DNA analysis to identify a previously unknown precious coral species. Additionally, the Precious Coral Protection and Development Association of Japan focused on the reproduction rate of transplanted corals as part of a study on seabed reforestation.