Conserving Melanesia’s coral reef heritage in the face of climate change

Foale, Simon J.

Abstract

In this article I use the lens of natural heritage to examine the nexus between Western and Melanesian ways of conceptualising and valuing coral reefs. I discuss the impacts of various pressures, including rising sea temperatures, on the ecological functioning of coral reefs and their ability to deliver ecosystem services, primarily fisheries, to the people who own and depend on them. I argue that while demand from Chinese markets has led to over-harvesting of a number of artisanal fisheries, the impact of subsistence fishing is still limited by relatively low human population densities. Escalating pressure on sharks (for their fins) looks likely to seriously damage shark populations in the near future. Despite these threats the ecological resilience of most Melanesian reefs, with localised exceptions, does not appear to be seriously threatened at present. However projected increases in the severity and frequency of coral bleaching, along with increasing subsistence and artisanal fishing pressures are likely to lead to significant and possibly irreversible degradation of reefs in the region before long, unless more culturally enlightened approaches to marine resource management and economic development are embraced by aid donors and non-government organisations.

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Historic Environment

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0726-6715

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Australia ICOMOS

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Carlton, Australia

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