Enhancing Coral Reef Resilience through Ecological Restoration: Concepts and Challenges

The combination of environmental and anthropogenic stressors has driven the global decline of coral reefs. Changing demographics of the human population and growing dependence on coral reef resources have necessitated mitigation measures to improve the sustainable use of the reef ecosystem. While management measures are useful in slowing the unprecedented loss of coral reefs, active restoration can be pivotal to facilitating the recovery of impacted reefs. With the rapid development of reef restoration techniques in the past decade, there is a need for a review and synthesis of restoration initiatives to identify factors that contribute to its efficacy. We reviewed the variety of reef restoration projects attempted to date and identified the key biological and ecological processes governing the different techniques. An analysis was made to elucidate the effects of biological, management and socio-economic challenges faced by restoration practitioners and used to examine how these factors might synergistically impact the success of future reef restoration efforts. Finally, we recommend the proper management of environmental and anthropogenic stressors before any attempts at active restoration are made, as well as the use of appropriate techniques to address the underlying causes of reef degradation. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the drivers that contribute to the success of reef restoration as a tool for sustainable coastal development and resource management. iafor The International Academic Forum www.iafor.org