Roadmap for improving coral reef restoration practices in Southeast Asia

Abstract

Coral reefs directly support the well-being of millions of people across Southeast Asia, however, these critical ecosystems are also under immense pressure, threatening their sustainability. Coral reef restoration has emerged as a promising strategy to contribute to safeguarding these critical ecosystems and securing the socioeconomic benefits they provide to local communities across the region. In this paper, we present the outcomes of a week-long of deliberations between policymakers, research funders, practitioners and scientists from Indonesia, Philippines, Vietnam and Australia, which identified four strategies for building improved capacity for coral reef restoration in Southeast Asia; (i) the creation of a learning network, (ii) addressing critical research needs, (iii) improved approaches to communication and engagement to diverse audiences and (iv) the establishment of sustainable funding mechanisms. These strategies are discussed in detail with a view of providing a roadmap to help support coral reef restoration processes across Southeast Asia.