The CIBJO Coral Commission has released its Special Report that outlines some of the key areas for discussion at the 2016 CIBJO Congress to be held in Yerevan, Armenia, on October 26, 2016. It gives particular focus on the proposed upgrades to the Coral Blue Book of accepted standards, practices and nomenclature, plans to create a comprehensive Coral Guide; and activities undertaken in 2016 to promote sustainable coral harvesting.

This is the eighth and final Commission report released in preparation for the Congress.

Prepared by the head of the Coral Commission Vincenzo Liverino, the document covers some of the major changes that are being made to the Blue Book with the addition of photographs, illustrations and tables, as well as new sections about coral sustainability and regulations for harvesting in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.

The Coral Blue Book of accepted industry standards and nomenclature was ratified at the CIBJO Congress last year in Brazil.

The report also details a seminar that CIBJO organised at the Hong Kong International Diamond, Gem & Jewellery Show in March 2016, together with the Italian Trade Commission, which concentrated on the implementation of environmentally sound practices in coral harvesting and pearl farming.

Liverino stresses the importance of this, saying, "A cornerstone of CIBJO sustainable business approach is responsible environmental practices throughout the gemstone and jewellery industry. This is most certainly the case in the coral sector, where the essential elements include the protection of the biosphere, the sustainable use of natural resources, production transparency and product disclosure, and committed management and compliance with local laws."