Growing populations and economies in the Western Indian Ocean region are increasing risks to the world’s least ecologically disturbed coasts, where ecosystem services are conservatively valued at US$25 billion annually.

This is according to a new report, titled Regional State of the Coast: Western Indian Ocean, by United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

Stretching from Somalia to South Africa, the Western Indian Ocean coastal area’s ecosystems are one of the worlds richest in terms of biodiversity, with over 2 200 species of fish and over 350 species of corals, and provide a wealth of goods and services to the population.

The report examines the environmental threats in the region and calls for stronger transboundary cooperation, integrated coastal management, and a surge in marine conservation areas to protect its pristine ecosystems.

Urbanisation

Population growth and the associated demand for ecosystem goods and services is one of the main drivers of the decline in marine resources in the region.

The ensuing urbanisation results in lifestyle changes, characterised by intense resource use and waste generation.

Unsustainable fishing practices

Unsustainable and destructive practices, such as illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, undermine local economies by depleting fish stocks and destroying key ecosystems.

UNEP’s report suggests that fish production from wild stocks in the region may already be approaching its maximum harvest potential of about 4.3 million tonnes annually.

The report recommends promoting alternative livelihoods, strengthening integrated coastal zone management, creating adequately enforced national policies, and establishing networks of protected areas to safeguard the region’s ecosystems and fisheries.

Extraction of natural resources

Offshore extraction of oil and gas can has serious environmental impacts. Accidental oil spills during exploratory drilling pose the most significant threat, potentially affecting mangrove forests, seagrass beds, lagoons, fishing grounds and tourist facilities.

Fossil fuel extraction also contributes to climate change, and consequently to higher ocean temperatures, acidity and levels, affecting key organisms and ecosystems.

“The way forward is toward a healthy West Indian Ocean that drives sustainable growth along its shores, improving human well-being and social equality along the way,” said UN Under-Secretary-General and UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.