Ecosystems

If marine biodiversity is what you are after, then look no further than the Coral Triangle. This remarkable patch of water spans the seas between the six Indo-Pacific nations of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands. The tropical waters of the Coral Triangle are among the most biologically diverse – and environmentally vulnerable – regions of the world. The Coral Triangle’s coral reefs, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds are home to vast numbers of fish, sharks and rays, as well as sea turtles and marine mammals.

Mangrove ecosystems are critical to the economic needs and livelihoods of many coastal communities in Pacific region.  Mangroves provide an important source of food including fish, shells and fruit as well a source of timber for firewood and building materials.  In addition, mangrove ecosystems play an important role in protecting coastal villages from wind and waves.  Under the threat of climate change, maintaining healthy mangrove ecosystems will help coastal communities build resilience to the impacts of climate change.  Throughout the Pacific however there are increasing threats to mangroves including clearing for urban expansion and felling trees for firewood.

From beach-side communities dotted across the Solomon Islands archipelago, to coastal villages lining Tanzania’s Indian Ocean shoreline, thousands of communities rely on coastal fisheries.