Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2000

Status of Coral Reefs of East and North Asia
GOVERNMENT POLICIES, LAWS AND LEGISLATION
The Hainan marine authorities of China strictly enforced the law against collection of corals
for conversion to lime in 1999, and all lime kilns (more than 90) were shut down and
destroyed. Current protection and conservation activities for the coral reefs in Hainan
Province are proving to be satisfactory, with some reversals of previous years of
degradation and neglect.
Environmental administration of Japan is outlined in the Basic Environment Plan of 1994,
with 4 goals:
• ‘sustainable cycles of materials arising from human and natural activities’;
• ‘harmonious coexistence between people and nature’;
• ‘participation of all stakeholders in sharing benefits and undertaking
conservation’; and
• ‘international activities’.
Harmonious coexistence is invoked for conservation of coastal wildlife such as coral reefs
through the direct action of declaring Marine Parks and Reserves. Improved education and
interpretation of nature will be achieved with improved participation of people.
Furthermore, Japan seeks to assist and cooperate in environmental governance in the Asia
and Pacific areas for the global environment and participate in international activities.
The National Strategy on Biological Diversity in 1995 derived from the Convention on
Biological Diversity with distinct policies on conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use
of natural resources. The following regulations pertain for coral reef conservation in Japan:
• Natural Parks Law (designation and management of Marine Park Zones in Natural Parks);
• Nature Conservation Law (designation and management of Nature Conservation
Areas and Wilderness Areas);
• Fisheries Resources Protection Law (protection of fishery resources and
designation and management of fishery protected areas);
• Red-Silt and Other Soil Particles Outflow Prevention Ordinance (prevention of
runoff of soil in Okinawa prefecture).
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Many coral communities in the Ryukyu Islands were degraded by outbreaks of the crownof-thorns
starfish in 1970s and terrestrial run-off after that outbreak. Coral communities,
particularly in moats, have declined due to the increased sedimentation that accumulates
readily because of closed topography. To prevent further damage to the reefs from land,
integrated coastal management should be launched as soon as possible to improve
performance in management, understanding and community participation. A coordination
mechanism involving all stakeholders concerned with coral reefs should be formed with a
priority action to develop active conservation measures and programmes. The International
Coral Reef Research and Monitoring Center is expected to play a role as a base for such
activities as well as promoting monitoring of the reefs.
139