The warning coming out of the Coral Reefs of Arabia Conference in Abu Dhabi is stark and quite close to home: at least 75 per cent of coral reefs in Gulf waters have been lost due to mismanagement of marine resources and global warming. The reasons for this catastrophe are many, but the time has come for serious introspection and immediate action, given that a significant portion of the problem is manmade. Socio-economic development stands at the core of the issue. Populations are swelling and so is construction, with some of this eating into significant parts of the coastal areas. Coupled with this is the unchecked and rampant exploitation of marine resources due to industrialisation. Sewage, overfishing and sedimentation are also contributors to this steady decay of marine resources.
Marine life depends on coral reefs for survival. Controlling coastal development and protecting marine habitats, therefore, involves making firm social, political and economic choices. Adopting new tools, and cutting edge and sustainable solutions is the way forward. Collective accountability is also key to overcoming this challenge. The realisation that the loss of coral reefs and marine resources can have a long-term negative impact on our environment must be instilled in everyone.
