GLOBAL AND LOCAL DRIVERS OF CORAL REEF DEGRADATION: KEY STRATEGIES FOR MITIGATING DAMAGE AND FOSTERING RESILIENCE

Coral reefs are among the most diverse and productive ecosystems, supporting countless marine species and providing vital ecological and economic benefits to human societies. However, they are experiencing rapid decline due to escalating human pressures. Global climate change is the primary driver, with rising sea surface temperatures causing frequent coral bleaching and structural collapse of reef systems. Simultaneously, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide is altering seawater chemistry through ocean acidification, reducing carbonate ion availability crucial for coral skeleton formation. These combined stressors diminish coral resilience, reproductive capacity, and habitat complexity. Localized threats further exacerbate this decline, including overfishing, destructive fishing methods, nutrient pollution from agriculture and sewage, sedimentation from coastal development, and outbreaks of coral predators such as the Crown-of-Thorns starfish. Addressing these interconnected challenges requires an integrated, evidence-based approach that considers both global and local drivers. This article examines the principal threats to coral reefs and proposes a strategic framework to mitigate damage, enhance resilience, and support long-term survival. Protecting coral reefs demands immediate, innovative, and sustained action to ensure these ecosystems endure for future generations.