Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

MINI REVIEW OF CORAL REEFS STATUS IN LANGKAWI UNESCO GLOBAL GEOPARK (LUGG), MALAYSIA

Jamil Tajam, Mazlin Mokhtar and Sukarno Wagiman

Abstract

Nowadays, we have seen that the depletion and loss of coral reef biodiversity in our region is significantly worsening. Therefore, biodiversity conservation and significant issues related to sustainable use of this biological resource should be given specific attention. In this study, Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (LUGG) is one example where the deterioration of coral reefs is at a critical level. A comprehensive and upto- date understanding of coral reefs in Pulau Langkawi, its values, the processes that support it and the pressures that affect it is fundamental to protecting and restoring the reefs and in making informed decisions on avoiding, mitigating and offsetting the pressures. All of this information should be taken into account in informing the adaptive management before proclaiming this area as marine protected area (MPA) through Ecosystem Approach for Fisheries Management (EAFM). Generally, the effectiveness of this study on biodiversity response and strategy can be measured by the wealth of the local community. Here we can see from two angles; (1) they conserve the resources of goods and services for their current and future needs, and (2) they create synergy and balance between the conservation of biodiversity and the other needs of the community, including the safeguarding of the sustainable use of biological resources. Hopefully, the outcome of this study will benefit the locals and even regionally and globally in ensuring the survival of marine life, particularly the coral reefs in this area so that they are immaculately maintained for future generations.