Collaborative and community-based conservation of coral reefs, with reference to marine reserves in the Philippines

Abstract

Coral reefs have served as a source of many useful products for humankind for ages. The most important product is fish. Exploitation of reef resources during the early twentieth century did not have much discernible negative effects on coral reef ecosystems in some parts of Southeast Asia (e.g. some areas in central Philippines), probably because of the small numbers of people exploiting the resources. This situation has changed dramatically. Human-induced stresses exacerbated by occasional natural perturbations such as coral bleaching and infestations of crown-of-thorns starfish threaten the survival of coral reef ecosystems. It is estimated that 30% of coral reefs has already been severely damaged and close to 60% may be lost by 2030 (Wilkinson, 2004). The 20 000 km2 of Philippine coral reefs are no exception. Destructive fishing and sedimentation have taken a heavy toll of this fragile ecosystem. Only about 30% of coral reef stations surveyed remain in good to excellent condition (Gomez et aI., I994).