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Coral reef
WWF case study: The Economic Contribution of Belize’s Coral Reefs and mangroves (Coastal Capital: Belize)
Submitted by tianyili on Sun, 2010-04-11 12:53
Summary:
Coastal and marine ecosystems provide vitally important goods and services to Belize.
Coral reefs and mangroves are an extremely important part of Belize’s ecological and economic wealth. The value of three economically vital services provided by these ecosystems amounts to US$395 – 559 million per year. This is an especially large sum relative to Belize’s GDP of US$1.3 billion. Many of Belize’s reefs and mangroves are already under threat from unsustainable development, overfishing, and natural threats such as storms. Climate change threatens to worsen these effects. It is critical for Belize’s government and citizens to work now to protect their coastal resources, or risk losing these benefits in the not-so-distant future.
Adaptation Experience:
Results and Learning:
The protection they furnish from erosion and wave damage from coastal storms, valued at US$231 – 347 million in avoided damages per year, is especially notable, and highlights the importance of protecting coral reefs and mangroves for their less visible services as well as for the more obvious benefits of fisheries and marine tourism.
Sustainability:
As these resources become increasingly threatened, it is critical to recognize the value they provide, and to incorporate them into decision-making.It is in the long-term economic interest of Belize to: 1. Invest in scientific assessment, monitoring, and compliance; 2. Plan and implement development sensibly; 3. Increase support for Belize’s MPA system.
Replication:
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