Report on the Recovery of Coral Reefs in the United Arab Emirates and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals
Introduction: A Positive Indicator for SDG 14
A recent study indicates that two critical coral reef ecosystems in the United Arab Emirates are demonstrating signs of recovery following a severe bleaching event in 2021. The regrowth observed at Sir Bu Nair island and in the waters of Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, represents a significant positive development for marine biodiversity and contributes directly to the objectives of Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water). This report details the impact of the bleaching event, the current state of recovery, and the management strategies that align with multiple SDGs.
The 2021 Bleaching Event: A Challenge to Climate Action and Marine Life
Causes and Climatic Context (SDG 13)
Coral bleaching occurs when environmental stressors cause corals to expel the symbiotic algae within their tissues. The 2021 event was distinguished by its severity, driven by extreme sea temperatures that exceeded 37°C. This phenomenon is a direct consequence of climate change, highlighting the urgent need for global commitment to SDG 13 (Climate Action) to mitigate such extreme warming events that threaten marine ecosystems.
Ecological Impact on Marine Biodiversity (SDG 14)
The bleaching event resulted in a substantial loss of coral cover, directly impacting the targets of SDG 14. The ecological consequences included:
- A 75% loss of total coral at Sir Bu Nair.
- A 63% loss of total coral at Khor Fakkan.
- The near-exclusive loss of table corals (Acropora), a fast-growing species crucial for reef structure and fish habitats.
The degradation of these reefs undermines coastal protection and reduces fish stocks, affecting both environmental stability and local economies dependent on marine resources.
Assessment of Recovery and Contributing Factors
Monitoring and Regrowth Statistics
Post-event monitoring has provided optimistic data, indicating a 15% to 20% increase in live coral cover since 2021. This recovery, particularly of the fast-growing table corals, suggests that with effective management and stable environmental conditions, these ecosystems can regain their dominance and ecological function, supporting the long-term goals of SDG 14.
Natural Resilience Factors
The survival and recovery of corals in these locations have been aided by local geographic conditions. The reefs are situated near deeper, cooler water, which provides a thermal reprieve during tidal cycles. This natural resilience, combined with relatively cooler conditions in the subsequent years, has been instrumental in the observed regrowth.
Strategic Interventions Supporting the Sustainable Development Goals
Conservation Management and Partnerships (SDG 14 & SDG 17)
Effective management has been a cornerstone of the recovery process, demonstrating a successful model for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Key actions include:
- Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): The well-enforced MPA around Sir Bu Nair island, managed by the Sharjah Environment and Protected Areas Authority (EPAA), limits public access for fishing and diving, reducing anthropogenic stress on the recovering ecosystem.
- Infrastructure Improvements: The installation of mooring buoys in Khor Fakkan prevents anchor damage, a direct intervention to protect the fragile reef structure.
- Collaborative Research: The assessment was a joint effort between NYU Abu Dhabi, the American University of Sharjah, and the EPAA, exemplifying the multi-stakeholder partnerships required to achieve environmental goals.
Sustainable Tourism and Community Engagement (SDG 12 & SDG 8)
To further protect the reefs, strategies are being implemented to promote sustainable tourism, aligning with SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and supporting SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through a resilient tourism sector.
- Diver Education: Efforts are under way to work with the diving community to raise awareness and prevent physical damage to corals from “fin-strike,” particularly among novice divers.
- Certified Operations: Encouraging local dive operators to adopt sustainable practices through certifications like Green Fins.
- Zoning for Training: A recommendation has been made to train new divers in areas without coral reefs to minimize accidental damage.
Future-Oriented Solutions for Climate Resilience (SDG 13)
Looking ahead, several innovative strategies are being explored to enhance the climate resilience of coral reefs, directly addressing the adaptation goals of SDG 13.
- Biobanking: Preserving the genetic resources of corals by safeguarding them during periods of extreme heat.
- Selective Breeding: Research into creating and cultivating heat-tolerant coral species for restoration projects.
- Large-Scale Restoration: Ambitious plans, such as Abu Dhabi’s initiative to plant millions of coral colonies, aim to actively rebuild and expand reef ecosystems.
Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article
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Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
The article primarily addresses two Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 14: Life Below Water: This is the most direct SDG connection. The article’s entire focus is on the health of marine ecosystems, specifically the bleaching and recovery of coral reefs in the UAE. It discusses the importance of corals for marine biodiversity (“home to more than 25 per cent of marine life”), the threats they face, and conservation efforts like marine protected areas and restoration projects.
- SDG 13: Climate Action: The article explicitly links coral bleaching to climate change. It states, “scientists believe climate change is making extreme warming events more common,” and points to unusually high sea temperatures (“exceeded 37°C”) as the direct cause of the 2021 bleaching event. Therefore, the health of the coral reefs is presented as a direct consequence of climate-related phenomena.
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What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
Based on the article, the following specific targets can be identified:
- Target 14.2: “By 2020, sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans.” The article directly discusses the management and protection of coral reefs in Sir Bu Nair and Khor Fakkan. The mention of their recovery (“showing signs of recovery from bleaching”), the study of their resilience, and active restoration efforts (“plant millions of coral colonies”) align perfectly with this target.
- Target 14.5: “By 2020, conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas, consistent with national and international law and based on the best available scientific information.” The article highlights the establishment and enforcement of a “marine protected area around Sir Bu Nair” as a key conservation practice. This is a direct implementation of the goal to conserve marine areas.
- Target 13.1: “Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters in all countries.” The coral bleaching event is described as a climate-related hazard caused by extreme sea temperatures. The article discusses efforts to aid recovery, understand why some corals survived, and implement selective breeding to create “heat-tolerant corals.” These actions are all aimed at strengthening the ecosystem’s resilience and adaptive capacity to future warming events.
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Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions several quantitative and qualitative indicators that can be used to measure progress:
- Indicator for Damage Assessment (Target 14.2): The percentage of coral loss is a clear indicator of the impact of bleaching events. The article specifies “about 75 per cent in total coral at Sir Bu Nair and 63 per cent at Khor Fakkan were lost.”
- Indicator for Recovery (Target 14.2): The percentage of regrowth measures the success of recovery and restoration. The article states, “there has been a 15 to 20 per cent increase in live coral since the bleaching event.”
- Indicator for Conservation Area Coverage (Target 14.5): The existence and enforcement of marine protected areas serve as an indicator. The article points to the “very well enforced” protected area around Sir Bu Nair.
- Indicator for Climate Hazard (Target 13.1): Sea surface temperature is a critical indicator of the climate-related stress on corals. The article notes that temperatures “exceeded 37°C,” which was “unusually extreme” compared to the normal maximum of 35.5°C.
- Indicator for Restoration Action (Target 14.2): The scale of active restoration projects is a measurable indicator. The article mentions Abu Dhabi’s plans to “plant millions of coral colonies.”
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Create a table with three columns titled ‘SDGs, Targets and Indicators” to present the findings from analyzing the article.
SDGs Targets Indicators SDG 14: Life Below Water Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems and take action for their restoration. - Percentage of coral loss (75% at Sir Bu Nair, 63% at Khor Fakkan).
- Percentage of live coral increase post-bleaching (15-20%).
- Number of new coral colonies planted (plans for millions in Abu Dhabi).
SDG 14: Life Below Water Target 14.5: Conserve at least 10 per cent of coastal and marine areas. - Establishment and enforcement of Marine Protected Areas (e.g., Sir Bu Nair island).
SDG 13: Climate Action Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards. - Sea temperature measurements (exceeding 37°C).
- Development of heat-tolerant corals through selective breeding.
Source: thenationalnews.com
