  
Lauretta Burke, Liz Selig, Mark Spalding
Southeast Asia possesses the most biologically diverse coral reefs on the planet.
These biologically and economically vital resources are severely threatened by human
activities.Reefs at Risk in Southeast Asia presents a detailed evaluation of threats to
coral reefs from destructive fishing, overfishing, marine-based pollution, coastal development,
and pollution and sedimentation from inland sources. The analysis also examines how
natural vulnerability and management may affect the level of threat to reefs.
The report concludes that 88% of Southeast Asian coral reefs are at risk from human
activities. Coral reef degradation of this magnitude jeopardizes regional food security,
biodiversity, coastal settlements, and fisheries, potentially costing the region billions of dollars
in lost revenue. The report includes economic analyses of sustainable benefits from coral reefs
as well as a review of management effectiveness in marine protected areas. Results of the
analyses highlight the linkages between human activities and coral reef condition, providing
resource managers with specific information and tools to more effectively manage coastal habitats
in Southeast Asia. In addition, the report makes several recommendations aimed at improving
management, providing greater access to information, and increasing awareness.
(Accompanying map-based datasets are available for download from www.wri.org/wri/reefsatrisk.)
February 2002 / 72 pages
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