Speech - I have great pleasure to be present amongst you today for the
official launching of the workshop on the “Coral
Reefs under Anthropogenic and Climate Change-Driven Disturbances”, issues which
are relevant to both sustainable development and ocean resources objectives set
by Government.
Today, there is an increasing loss of biodiversity in the coral reef
ecosystem due to human activities and climate change. Coral reef ecosystem
damage is one of the major consequences of the unsustainable use of the
resources. This is evidenced by the 27% loss of the world’s coral reefs
(Wilkinson 2002) and by predictions that estimate another 30% will be lost or
impaired in less than 25 years.
Mauritius has an EEZ of Mauritius of
about 2,000
kilometres and has about 24,500 hectares of coral reef. A total of some 160 species of reef-building
corals have so far been recorded in the Mauritian waters. The coral reefs are
valuable natural resources that can generate about USD 148 million if
sustainably managed.
Coral reefs are
vital ecosystems, providing a source of income, food and coastal protection for
millions of people. Mauritius, being a small island developing state (SIDS),
depends highly on its coastal ecosystems for its tourism industry. Tourism is
heavily dependent on the reef as the main attraction and any degradation to this
resource will negatively affect tourism and reef- related activities. Coral
reefs are productive hotspots of biodiversity that support social and economic
development of a country.
Therefore, their protection is a
socio-economic imperative, as well as an environmental one. The good health of
coral reef ecosystems is also very important as it provides leisure activities
to the public and to tourists who visit the country.
However, it is noteworthy, that signs abound in many areas that the
natural plasticity of reef ecosystems to successfully respond to environmental
(e.g. global climate change) and anthropogenic (e.g. land use, pollution)
stressors has been exceeded. Vulnerable habitat conditions overlaid with
multiple concomitant stressors, have compromised many coral communities to the
point where their ability to rebound from natural disturbances is being lost.
Ladies
and Gentlemen:
There are an increasing number of coral
reef sites experiencing ecosystem level damage due to anthropogenic activities
and climate change-driven events. Local monitoring activities show that coral
cover around Mauritius Island has declined gradually by about 20–70% within a
decade (from year 1999 to year 2009), implying a limited level of natural
recovery. Though coral reefs in Mauritius represent less than 0.1% of the
global coral reef area, an estimated USD148 million per year contribution is expected
to be made in terms of ecosystem services. A concurrent 20-70% decline in
potential economic benefits from our reefs can be predicted due to the current
level of decline of coral cover. Livelihood of local communities directly
dependent on coral reef resources will be severely impacted and can perpetuate
a cycle of poverty.
Several
solutions have been proposed in an effort to curb the decline in coral reef biodiversity
and adapt to the changing world. These include promotion of an increase in the number,
size and connectivity of marine protected areas (MPAs); more efficient
implementation of Multilateral Environmental Agreements related to coral reef biodiversity
(e.g. the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), The Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), The
Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), The Ramsar Convention on Wetlands and
The World Heritage Convention and others; increasing programmes on
communication, education and public awareness related to coral reef biodiversity;
encouraging and supporting rural enterprises based on biodiversity such as
marine eco-tourism, bio-prospecting to benefit the local communities and the
marine environment; encouraging sustainable use of marine biodiversity-based
resources; and provision of incentives for local marine habitat protection.
We can no longer view the continued
loss of our coral reef and their associated biodiversity as an issue separate
from the core concerns of the society, that is, to tackle poverty, to improve
the health, prosperity and security of present and future generations and to
deal with climate change. This is where research has a pivotal contributory
role to play. The degree of development of a country is nowadays measured by
the quantum and quality of scientific achievements made. It is, therefore, of
prime importance to invest heavily in research for sustainable development,
especially in targeted research related to the marine resources, including
coral reef ecosystem, which we possess.
Investment is not only in monetary terms, it is also in
terms of new knowledge; but more importantly, it is through a change in
attitude, a change in mindset. Data shows that only 0.3% of GDP is attributed
to Science and Technology with only 0.1% for research purposes. This is far too
low compared to the 3.5% of GDP dedicated to research in countries like
Singapore.
Our government is conscious of the various challenges regarding the ocean
economy and sustainable development. Some projects have been implemented such
as the creation of Centres for Applied Research, the setting up of National
Research Chairs positions and the development of a National Biotechnology
Research Centre, amongst others. Yesterday a workshop was held to discuss on a
national science, technology and innovation policy. Shortly, an IIT research
academy will be set up and a Mauritius Research Council amendment Bill will be
proposed with the objective of rationalising research and increasing private
participation in research and innovation.
As we are now gearing towards the development of an ocean economy, I
would encourage more researchers to explore the vast resources available in our
waters and develop new knowledge in this field.
I should
highlight that protection of our marine resources, our national heritage,
including coral reef ecosystem, is not the responsibility of our governmental
or non-governmental organisations only but each and every individual/citizen of
the Republic of Mauritius.
Each one of us can help protect our coral reef
in one way or the other and make a difference. Rebuilding damaged reefs can
take 50-100 years time and an investment of millions of dollars. This very workshop
will help raise awareness on coral reef ecosystem in a changing environment,
helping us identify and adopt means and ways to protect our national coral reef
ecosystem in whatever capacity we can.
I sincerely wish
that this one-day workshop on “Coral Reefs under Anthropogenic and Climate
Change-Driven” will be fruitful to all participants. I thus declare the
workshop officially open.
Wish you all the
best!
Thank you
