Strengthening National Legal Frameworks for Coral Reef Protection: Toward a Sustainable Blue Economy

Abstract The worldwide decline of coral reefs presents major risks to marine ecosystems, coastal protection, and the well-being of millions of people who depend on marine resources. The Sustainable Blue Economy concept is centres on utilizing ocean resources for economic development while maintaining the health of ocean ecosystems. The primary issues currently endangering coral reefs include coral bleaching and elevated sea temperatures. These conditions cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae residing in their tissues, resulting in a loss of colour. Prolonged bleaching can ultimately lead to the death of the corals. The study aims at analysing, how national legal frameworks can be leveraged to enhance coral reef conservation, thereby contributing to the development of a sustainable blue economy. Method, using the comparative analysis with identify successful strategies and best practice adopted by various states (Indonesia, Australia and Malaysia) and case studies. The result of this research show that national legal frameworks are critical in driving effective coral reef conservation. The comparative analysis highlights that successful strategies often involve a combination of legal protections, community engagement, and adaptive management. By adopting best practices from different countries, a more resilient and sustainable approach to coral reef conservation can be developed, supporting the broader goals of a sustainable blue economy.