Examples include the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, and many more; however, not all require the essentials of being a member that necessary to ensure benefits to the coral reefs. ICRA has one of the most beneficial membership programs. Individuals are deemed eligible to apply for membership in six ways; the first being that they are a member of the United Nations, or if they are a part of a governmental agency of a country that takes interest in helping the coral reef and other related ecosystems. Another possibility is to be a member of a program of the United Nations having to do with coral reefs, or if they are an “international, intergovernmental or non-governmental organization” dealing with coral reefs. And finally, one of the last options in order to be considered as a candidate for ICRA is to be involved in any private company or association that is looking to aid with the reconstruction and development of the coral reefs. It is then required, once gaining eligibility, that they submit an application, as well as a request letter, and attend a General Meeting where the current members of ICRA evaluate them to see if they will be an asset to the organization. As a member, it is required that they attend at least one of the initiative meetings once a year, they must also have proof that that they are …show more content…
It is understandable to believe that rules and regulations may be too rigorous for the members of these organization and some may even ask if it is beneficial to have such strict requirements. Consider the other organizations previously mentioned, Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, NOAA Coral Reef Conservation Program, and more, have higher numbers in their membership rates, but are they as effective? Right now, I am able to join the Coral Reef Alliance, and to some this may seem convenient; however, as a member I am expected to help but am not required (“Home”). This mimics what many non-profit organization are doing but this strategy lessens the effectiveness of members and progress for their program. By having such strict policies the effectivity of the ICRI is much higher in their progress than that of others. For example, their latest work has been within their Ad Hoc Committee (ICRI). The purpose for them began as a way to enforce rules and regulations on how to lessen the impact of humans direct contact with the coral reefs. They managed to set up training guides and sessions, even tool kits, so that humans may visit the coral reefs without harming them. ICRI has already conducted “over 23 field trainings” globally, and trained “over 700 natural resource trustee representatives from over 30 countries.” The regulations for ICRI may seem extreme at first, but it takes hard