Mr Hillier said "one of our previous reports identified we would potentially need three times as much money to maintain that current level of risk" surrounding coastal erosion and flooding "over the next 25 years".

BBC: Democracy Live site links

Experts gave an overview of current threats and challenges, including declining coral reefs and acidification (Scott Doney), sea level rise (Joe Appiott), coastal erosion, land-based sources of marine pollution, and overfishing (Brittany Baschuk).

UNESCO: Social and Human Sciences