V. Conservation and management measures

Conservation and management measures

The world has woken up to the magnitude of the problem and has taken steps to halt the degradation of one of the richest ecosystems. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, has classified many corals as threatened species. The establishment of marine sanctuaries or reserves may help ensure the protection of this ecosystem in the years to come. In addition, more focused actions should be taken to protect, conserve and manage these valuable resources. The following are the measures to be under taken on an integrated basis:

· Creation of awareness and environmental education

· Need to provide alternative/additional livelihood options

· Community based reef ecosystem protection and management

· Coral reef restoration and rehabilitation

· Enforcement mechanism

· Baseline data

· Need for long-term reef monitoring

· Sea ranching for enhancement of stock

· Marine biodiversity data management

Last modified: Tuesday, 24 January 2012, 10:14 AM