Efforts to Save Coral Reefs for environmental sustainability

Efforts to safeguard coral reefs for the sake of environmental sustainability are of utmost importance, according to coral scientists. However, there is ongoing debate regarding the additional measures that need to be taken.

In 2002, photographer Lena C. Emery relocated to Wakatobi Dive Resort in Indonesia, which had been established as a significant privately funded marine protection program. The area quickly became renowned for its diverse coral species. Emery fondly recalls the excitement of discovering rare or even entirely new species on a regular basis. Even after two decades, the sense of being part of a secret mission of exploration remains.

The situation in Wakatobi was not always so promising. A decade prior, the coral reefs had been severely damaged by destructive fishing practices such as dynamite and cyanide fishing, as well as the use of ancient nets. However, in the early 2000s, the founders of Wakatobi, along with their team and local community partners, successfully reversed the damage. The Indonesian government expanded the area into a national park in 2002, and it was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2012. Today, Wakatobi spans 1.39 million hectares and is home to numerous coral and fish species.

Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) like Wakatobi play a crucial role in safeguarding coral reefs from local threats such as destructive fishing and habitat degradation. Similar success stories have been observed worldwide, with protected areas generally exhibiting higher fish populations, greater biodiversity, and fewer coral diseases.

However, some scientists express concerns that MPAs alone may not be sufficient to combat the most significant threat to coral reefs: climate change. MPAs can only address local factors and cannot directly control the temperature of coral reefs, leaving them vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

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