Reef-check survey to Effectively Managed Marine Conservation Zones

Coral reefs play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, supplying food, facilitating sustainable fisheries and mitigating climate change. Despite their significance, coral reefs and fish resources are facing destruction and substantial degradation of the coral reef ecosystem due to unregulated overexploitation of marine resources.

The Reef-check survey methodology was developed to gather data on coral cover, fish abundance, invertebrate abundance, and human impact on reefs. This approach involves long-term monitoring conducted by volunteers. The collected data is instrumental in determining the zoning of Marine Protected Areas and implementing an effective management system.

Myanmar Biodiversity Fund (MBF) is actively involved in the development of Conservation Zones in Kyeintali and Gwa areas, located in the Southern Rakhine State on the western coast of Myanmar. These areas have been identified as biodiversity-rich areas based on reef-check survey. The MBF collaborates closely with local communities and partners to undertake conservation initiative in these regions.