A people dependent on coral (BBC) {Belize reef, biggest in W. Hemisphere}

[eppur_se_muova]

By Roger Harrabin
BBC News, San Pedro, Belize

The United Nations is being asked to step in to protect a barrier reef which lies just off Belize in Central America. Island dwellers fear its erosion could endanger their homes and livelihoods if action is not taken soon.
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The polyps have brought wealth to this little island and it is their protective girdle that allows beachfront properties to be built right on to the sand without fear of tidal surges from hurricanes.
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The reef was beginning to show some signs of recovery from its first bleaching until, a few years later, it was once again hit by high water temperatures.
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Their petition is due to be heard by the UN's World Heritage committee in Unesco in the next few days.

{The Americans on the UN's World Heritage committee in Unesco} say {the petition} is divisive and that there is no absolute proof that greenhouse gases are responsible for the warming of the water. Even if there were, they say, the damage would be accidental and accidental damage cannot be seen as a breach of the World Heritage sites treaty.
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more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/5158504.stm