Three key services provided by coral reefs and mangroves in Belize are worth an estimated US$395 million to US$559 million per year, according to a report released today by the World Resources Institute and the World Wildlife Fund.
Annual Economic Contribution of Coral Reefs and Mangroves in Belize
This study evaluated the average annual contribution of reef- and mangrove-associated tourism, fisheries, and shoreline protection services to the economy of Belize.
The World Resources Institute (WRI) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today announced a collaboration to deliver improved science and practical tools to help companies and governments protect ecosystems and address climate change.
Nine Caribbean sub-regions—Bahamian, Bermuda, Eastern Caribbean, Florida, Greater Antilles, Gulf of Mexico, Southern Caribbean, Southwestern Caribbean, and Western Caribbean.
When the four threats – coastal development, sedimentation, marine-based pollution, and overfishing – are integrated into the Reefs at Risk Threat Index, nearly two-thirds of the region’s coral reef
Observations of coral bleaching in the Caribbean are widespread. Of the over 500 observations in recent decades, 24 were during the 1980s, over 350 during the 1990s, and over 100 since 2000.
Threats to coral reefs from overfishing were evaluated based on coastal population density adjusted by the shelf area (up to 30 m depth) within 30 km of the reef.
Threats to coral reefs from marine-based sources were evaluated based on distance to ports (stratified by size), intensity of cruise ship visitation, and distance to oil and gas infrastructure, proces
