Reef relief
Added to website: 14 June 2006
The underwater world of coral colonies is under threat, and the result could be serious ecological damage. It’s a global problem that can be solved only through concerted local action
The underwater world of reefs is one of ravishing beauty. But often we enjoy the beauty of the reefs and forget their huge importance in our lives and their scientific significance. They are home to an incredibly diverse marine life and they are huge buffers of protection to the lands they fringe.
However, the fairyland beauty of reefs is hiding the fact that a nightmare scenario is looming. Reef systems worldwide are under serious threat, and this could spell destruction of one kind or another. The threats come from pollution caused by industrialisation and development, and sedimentation from deforestation. Over-fishing, destructive fishing practices like dynamiting and an unregulated marine aquarium trade are some of the culprits responsible for reducing coral reefs to the pitiful state they are in.
“If we don’t do anything to shore up the damage, 50 per cent of the world’s reefs will vanish in 20 to 25 years time,” warns Peter Raines, founder and chairman of Britain-based conservation group, Coral Cay Conservation. And because sandy beaches and harbours are made from reefs, half of these could disappear as well.
This is a bleak prognosis indeed for mankind. According to Mr Raines, reef systems are one of the few habitats that help to control global warming - by recycling carbon dioxide in the air. He said the destruction of reefs could knock the whole world off balance. Add to that the socio-economic issue of mass migration as jobs dry up with the disappearance of reefs and we have a global threat of epic proportions.
“The plight of the coral reefs is a global plight,” Mr Raines says.
It is a global problem that can be solved only through locally managed programmes, he says. It calls for wide stakeholder and community participation; instead of pointing fingers, stakeholders should team up and give the needed response. The good news is that there are concerned corporate bodies that recognize the problem and are working on a solution. One such body is Shangri-la Asia Limited.
Shangri-la’s Mactan Island Resort and Spa in Philippines, is sponsoring a multi-party coral reef conservation and environmental awareness drive. The group is working closely with Coral Cay Conservation and the Philippine Reef & Rainforest Conversation Foundation to study the reefs fronting the Cebu Island resort. The team is looking for ways to enhance the protection and sustainable use of these fragile coral constructs.
Coral reef systems are living bodies that are home to an estimated one million species – more species per unit area than in any other eco-system. The reefs provide food and shelter to more than a quarter of all marine life, representing the largest concentration of aquatic life to be found anywhere.
Poetically described as the “rainforests of the sea”, coral reefs provide mankind with a multitude of vital services. As a natural buffer against waves and floods, coral reefs act as a coastal bodyguard in helping to prevent the loss of life, property and soil erosion during storms.
Coral reefs also serve the economic well-being of millions around the world. They fuel tourism, where billions are spent each year on diving tours, snorkeling and fishing safaris organised around reef systems. Fisheries, which supply a livelihood for poor coastal communities, depend on reefs for a big and varied harvest of seafood.
“If we can set aside 20 per cent of any reef area as a protected area, we are onto a winner,” Mr Raines says. “This will provide for the longevity of the reef by allowing the reef to grow back.”
Reefs are robust, and like most living things they can bounce back to good health if they are in generally good shape. But the cornerstone to any conservation project is education. Public awareness and an understanding of reef species and their interrelationships would go on a long way towards maintaining healthy reefs, Mr Raines says. People should also know what to do and not do so they do not inadvertently contribute to reef damage.
The Shangri-la project in Cebu aims to move into this area of education. Environmental awareness and conservation activities are planned for guests at the resort. Their participation may well make them “ambassadors for reefs” when they return to their home countries.
Overall, Mr Raines is impressed with the Shangri-la initiative in reef conservation.
“It takes a lot of courage to do this,” he said. “Shangri-la is taking its responsibilities to a very high level, and showing the way for resorts to take a lead in enhancing the environment in which they operate.”
Source: South China Morning Post
