Obura, David O.

The marine World Heritage thematic study was written to provide guidance to States Parties and conservation practitioners on how to best apply the World Heritage Convention in the oceans and seas. The study proposes a scientific framework as the foundation for a well-balanced and representative set of features that may be of Outstanding Universal Value to inform choices when nominating or inscribing sites. It also analyses the current biogeographic coverage of marine World Heritage sites (mWHS) and identifies broad gaps in representation.

The marine World Heritage thematic study was written to provide guidance to States Parties and conservation practitioners on how to best apply the World Heritage Convention in the oceans and seas. The study proposes a scientific framework as the foundation for a well-balanced and representative set of features that may be of Outstanding Universal Value to inform choices when nominating or inscribing sites. It also analyses the current biogeographic coverage of marine World Heritage sites (mWHS) and identifies broad gaps in representation.

L’étude thématique sur le patrimoine mondial marin a été rédigée dans le but d’apporter des orientations aux États parties et aux praticiens de la conservation sur les meilleurs moyens d’appliquer la Convention du patrimoine mondial dans les océans et dans les mers. L’étude propose un cadre scientifique comme fondation pour un ensemble de caractéristiques bien équilibrées et représentatives pouvant avoir une valeur universelle exceptionnelle, afin d’étayer les choix lors de la proposition ou de l’inscription de sites.

The marine World Heritage thematic study was written to provide guidance to States Parties and conservation practitioners on how to best apply the World Heritage Convention in the oceans and seas. The study proposes a scientific framework as the foundation for a well-balanced and representative set of features that may be of Outstanding Universal Value to inform choices when nominating or inscribing sites. It also analyses the current biogeographic coverage of marine World Heritage sites (mWHS) and identifies broad gaps in representation.

Effective local management of coral reefs has a direct effect on reducing threats and improving overall coral community health. Careful zoning and effective enforcement of resource use within a marine managed area reduces impacts of overfishing, allowing populations of grazing fish to rejuvenate and maintain healthy ecosystem functioning. Coastal land management to reduce deforestation and land-based pollution, and planning for sustainable coastal development can ensure that nutrient and sediment loads to the reef environment are kept low, maintaining a vibrant coral reef community.

The estimated 500 million people who depend on coral reefs worldwide regularly contend with change. Whether it is the shifting demands of a global marketplace, political upheaval at the national level, shortage of local supplies such as fuel, or fickle weather, the resilience of reefdependent people is often put to the test. Despite this hard-earned resilience, coastal communities and reef-based industries are going to be challenged like never before as climate change exerts a multi-faceted influence.