The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) has designated 2008 as International Year of the Reef (IYOR). The objectives of the IYOR 2008 campaign are to:

• Strengthen awareness about ecological, economic, social and cultural value of coral reefs and associated ecosystems
• Improve understanding of the critical threats to reefs and generate both practical and innovative solutions to reduce these threats
• Generate urgent action to develop and implement effective management strategies for conservation and sustainable use of these ecosystems.

In celebration of this event, the Coastal Zone Management Unit (CZMU) Barbados, in association with private and public sector organizations, has planned a year of activities which will focus on educating the general public about the critical importance of these vital ecosystems.

January
Opening Ceremony (Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination) - January 9^th



February
Love Your Corals Campaign
Art and Science Exhibition - February 25^th to March 8^th

March
Mini Coral Reef Symposium - March 20^th to 22^nd

April
The Dance Circle (NCF): Coral Reef Theme - April 29^th

May
Schools Film Program by Film Group begins
Fish Dish Competition (Fisheries Division)
Dive Festival (BDO) - May 23^rd

June
Ocean Day - June 8^th
CZMU Seminar Series - June 27^th
Fishers Week - June 22nd to 29^th
Fisherman's Day - June 29^th

July
Waterworld begins - July 5^th

August
Crop Over activities linked with Coral Reef awareness
Dinner and Fashion Show - August 8^th

September
Underwater Cleanup - September 20^th

October
Bridgetown Film Festival
Ocean Fair Film Series - October 2^nd - 23^rd
Regional Coral Reef Monitoring and Management Workshop - October 26^th to 30^th

November
Co-sponsorship with the NCF for awards given to coral-themed works during NIFCA
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) for Corals Workshop - November 1st to 5th
Book Launch - Barbados: A Coral Paradise - November 20^th

December
Closing Ceremony - December 10^th


As well as these scheduled activities, the CZMU also intends to produce a 7-part TV series on the marine environment of Barbados, as well as several radio and TV segments throughout the course of the year. We hope that you will come out and show your support for these various activities and help the CZMU to protect and preserve Barbados' amazing coral reefs.