Coral reefs are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems to the increase in temperatures caused by climate change. The United Nations has warned that the whole world it has already lost half its coral reefs.
Coral reefs filter and clean marine waters and serve as a refuge for many other species. In addition, it has been reported that almost a third of commercial fish stocks are being consumed at unsustainable levels and rates. What consequences does this bring?
Increase in fishing and consumption
In the framework of its UNEA-3 Environmental Assembly, which takes place these days in Nairobi, the UN pointed out that overfishing, extractive activities, tourism, recreation, coastal development and pollution are degrading habitats and reducing populations of marine species at an accelerated rate.
Although an attempt was made to protect 10% of all coastal areas and territorial waters by the year 2020, today 14,4% are protected, which is great, protecting the marine environment is also important and requires effective management and a correct distribution of costs and benefits.
Increase marine protected areas
When establishing an area as a protected area, two aspects arise: one is the improvement of the conservation of the place, both biodiversity and the ecosystem itself, and another is reduction of economic and social benefits that is obtained from that oceanic area. What about this situation? The Frontiers report presented at UNEA-3 highlights that managing the oceans in a sustainable way, increasing the number of marine protected areas, does not have to mean a reduction in economic benefits. What is really trying to increase marine protected areas is that they serve as the "engine" to drive the economy.
When a marine protected area is established, the health of marine and coastal ecosystems is maintained and restored and, on the other hand, management systems are increased.
Half of how many there were, when?