SA coral reefs among world's most threatened
2002-02-15 12:33
Cape Town - The coral reefs that stretch from Kosi Bay to St Lucia along South Africa's east coast have been identified as among the most threatened habitats of their kind in the world.
According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),
the region ranks fifth on a list of the planet's 10 most-threatened coral reef "hotspot" areas.
Citing a study published in the latest issue of the prestigious
international journal, Science, the UN agency says urgent action is needed to prevent further destruction of the reefs.
"The study is the first of its kind to identify global
priority areas for coral reef conservation.
"Furthermore, it contradicts a long-held contention that marine
species are unlikely to become extinct, as a consequence of human
activities, because of their vast geographic ranges in the oceans.
"We know that unless we take action right away, marine species
will start going extinct, because you lose biodiversity as a
consequence of habitat destruction."
Coral reefs are among the world's most complex and diverse
eco-systems. Those along South Africa's east coast are about
4 000 year's old, and formed on top of the remnants of ancient sand dunes.
They stretch from Kosi Bay in the north down to St Lucia,
further south, the summer flooding of rivers limits the growth of
coral.
Ahead of South Africa on the list, ranked according to the
degree of threat, are the Philippines, the Gulf of Guinea Islands, the Sunday Islands (Indonesia), and the Southern Mascarene Islands (near Madagascar).
The study calls for a dramatic increase in conservation efforts.
- SAPA