Upcoming U.S. Coral Task Force Meeting in Hawai'i Will Highlight Conservation Strategies, Successes, and Challenges
Established in 1998 by a Presidential Executive Order, U.S. Coral Reef Task Force's (USCRTF) mission is to lead, coordinate, and strengthen U.S. government actions to better preserve and protect coral reef ecosystems. It is co-chaired by the Department of the Interior and the Department of Commerce and includes leaders from 12 federal agencies, seven U.S. states and territories, and three freely associated states. The biannual USCRTF meetings have been instrumental in building partnerships and strategies to conserve coral reefs. The theme of the meeting will be Ola Nā Papa í Pūlama 'la (Cherish the Living Reef); this will be the task force’s last meeting during the International Year of the Reef. More information is available at www.coralreef.gov.
WHAT:
20th meeting of the USCRTF
WHEN:
- Sunday, August 24 and Monday, August 25, 2008
Workshops on key issues including recreational stewardship, land based pollution, community and government partnerships, and climate change responses
- Wednesday, August 27 and Friday, August 29
USCRTF business meetings to address priority threats and innovative solutions
- Thursday, August 28
Local field trips to examine marine and coastal issues
WHERE:
Outrigger Keauhou Hotel in Kailua-Kona, Hawai'i
WHO:
Key individuals participating in the meeting include:
Jim Connaughton, Chairman of the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
Stephen Johnson, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Tommy Remengesau, President of the Republic of Palau
Lyle Laverty, Assistant Secretary of the Department of the Interior (DOI)
John Woodley, Assistant Secretary of the Army
Tim Keeney, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Togiola Tulafono, Governor of American Samoa
Benigno R. Fitial, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands
Felix Camacho, Governor of Guam
Sebastian Anefal, Governor of Yap, Federated States of Micronesia
Participants will be available for media interviews and photo opportunities.