New Guidelines To Conserve Caribbean Coral Reefs

When we think of coral reefs, the Great Barrier Reef off the north-eastern coast of Australia may be the first one that springs to mind. It’s the largest reef system in the world, at 2,300km long. However, there are thousands of smaller reefs, which are distributed around the shallower waters of the world’s tropical and subtropical oceans.

Some of these reefs are found in the beautiful turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Like many other reefs around the world, they are under threat from pressures of water pollution, overfishing, coral bleaching, and water acidification. Now, scientists have issued new guidelines in an effort conserve the future health of the reef systems.

The initiative is a joint venture between The Nature Conservancy, the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association and the United Nations Environment Programme, and specifically tailored to the tourism sector. While tourists are vital to the economic health of the region, they can also present a threat to the environment. 

Ximena Escovar-Fadul, TNC’s Senior Associate, Ocean Planning and Mapping, commented: “In response to the coral reef crisis, there has been a shift on the part of tourism businesses and consumers toward more sustainable travel options. Beyond this ‘do no harm’ mindset, there is an increasing interest in travel activities that can proactively help nature. 

“For example, travelers want to know how they can offset their carbon emissions or take part in restoring the environments that bring them joy when visiting a destination, like coral reefs.”

The new guidelines will encourage tourist facilities to host restoration projects, and appoint ‘conservation ambassadors’ who are able to raise awareness of environmental issues with guests and local communities alike. 

The Caribbean islands were hard-hit during the Covid lockdowns, and are keen to balance welcoming back tourists with protecting the precious natural resources that help to keep the marine life healthy, and make the region such an attractive holiday and travel destination. 

Ileana Lopez, Regional Coordinator, Biodiversity and Ecosystems, UNEP, explained: “Coral reefs and the important ecosystem services they provide are critical for economies and communities throughout the wider Caribbean. They generate more than US$8 billion per year for the tourism industry, but they are under serious threat.”

She added: “It is estimated that over half of the live coral in the region has been lost in the last 50 years. The restoration of degraded coral reef ecosystems is only possible when political and financial support, scientific innovation and active participation of local stakeholders is combined.”

One of the key findings of the research was many tourists and tourism businesses were keen to take a more active role in sustainable conservation of the reefs, but lacked the knowledge and guidance to make much progress. 

It is hoped that the new Guide to Coral Reef Restoration for the Tourism Sector will be able to set out best practices that can be easily shared and acted upon, such as choosing a more sustainable form of transport or seafood.

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