The case for restoration of tropical coastal ecosystems

At no time have humans so altered their natural environment than the present. Marine ecosystems have not been spared, and the degradation of coastal habitats has reached severe proportions in many parts of the world. The mere setting aside of areas for protection may not be enough to ensure adequate production and provision of services for a growing global human population. Hence, the active restoration of habitats, in addition to protection and preservation, is probably the more desirable conservation strategy. Accumulated experience over several decades has demonstrated that the rehabilitation or even restoration of damaged coastal ecosystems is feasible. However, the degree of difficulty and expense involved vary, with coral reefs being the most complicated habitats to restore, followed by seagrass beds and then mangrove forests. In ecosystem restoration, a comprehensive strategy based on sound biological and ecological principles, and proven techniques must be developed. A concrete, achievable goal must be articulated. Because of the dynamic nature of ecosystems, and the inability to accurately predict pathways of succession after a community is established through artificial means, subsequent modifications to a project must proceed within a flexible framework of adaptive management. Finally, for restoration efforts to be successful, local communities must participate actively in cooperation with local governments in accordance with the principle of co-management. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.