[Coral-List] Why we are failing to repair coral reefs
Steve Mussman
sealab at earthlink.net
Mon Oct 27 10:10:22 EDT 2014
I suppose that there are a number of reasons why we are failing to repair
coral reefs. Not the least of which is the lack of political will to move in
the direction of developing sustainable economic models that value and
promote a more ecocentric approach. A case in point is the reaction to the
Rio+20 outcome document entitled The Future We Want. The ensuing debate
between developed and developing countries on the merits of the resolution's
proposals sheds light on the difficulties involved in building a consensus
even for the most compelling issues affecting us all.
If you are unfamiliar with the document, you can find it here:
[1]http://www.icriforum.org/icri-documents/icri-and-un-documents/unga-resolu
tion-66288-future-we-want
Articles 158 through 177 deal directly with issues affecting the oceans and
seas.
This link describes in detail some of the main points of contention:
http://www.mcgeorge.edu/Documents/Publications/05_Ellison_27_1.pdf
Since repairing coral reefs would require coordinated action on both the
local and global levels, it might prove useful to study this effort at
promoting a world which emphasizes betterment through sustainability.
Bringing about such a transformation would require an unprecedented level of
cooperation and commitment, but regardless of the inherent difficulties,
those who already value conservation have a moral obligation to press on. As
Doug said, it won't be easy, but the role of science (as in marine
biologists) in this endeavor is as clear as it is primary for humanity thus
far seems unconvinced that the ultimate fate of our threatened
ecosystems serves as a reflection of the destiny we are choosing for
ourselves.
Steve
References
1. http://www.icriforum.org/icri-documents/icri-and-un-documents/unga-resolution-66288-future-we-want
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