Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs in South Asia
• Identify sustainable long-term funding mechanisms for protected area
management and habitat conservation activities.
Bangladesh
• Develop and implement environmental, biological, socioeconomic and user
monitoring programmes;
• Develop a clear government policy statement on the future conservation,
management and protection objectives of marine resources for St. Martin’s Island,
which will also address the coordinated management of coastal lands; and
• Support the proposed management plan for St. Martin’s Island and its coral
resources with planning that involves all levels of government (i.e. an intergovernmental
approach).
India
• Strengthen the role and powers of ICRMN to act as the central coordinating body
for policy and programmes relating to coral reef resources, to provide better
integration between government departments, institutions and local groups and
to support the implementation of Management Action Plans;
• Strengthen capacity to monitor reefs and increase monitoring activities; and
• Provide training and awareness raising at all levels to better appreciate the
concepts of conservation and sustainable use of coral reef resources.
Maldives
• Provide more training opportunities in marine resource conservation,
management and assessment; and
• Enhance collaborative work between government research groups and local
community, NGOs and international organisations.
Pakistan
• Develop capacity to locate and identify possible reef areas; and
• Develop capability in taxonomy of reef organisms.
Sri Lanka
• Improve monitoring of socioeconomic aspects of resource use;
• Develop alternative employment programmes for those engaged in fisheries
activities that impact adversely on reef resources, such as the harvesting of sea
cucumbers, ornamental fish, spiny lobsters and coral mining;
• Develop a practical plan for marine resource use and also develop capacity for
resource management in the whole fishery sector;
• Carry out detailed studies to identify important reef resources such as sponges,
and other organisms with a view to developing a bio-prospecting industry,
which may have the potential to encourage improved conservation of resources
in recognition of their economic value;
• Provide assistance for managing protected areas via financial support for
protected area demarcation, patrolling capabilities and training of personnel; and
• Train the coastguard and purchase the necessary equipment for effective
enforcement of resource use laws.
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