Conservationists Encourage Protection of Coral Habitats After Historic Spawning Event in Cambodian Waters
Discovery of Coral Spawning Signals Health of Reefs, Prompts Calls for Conservation Efforts
Conservationist groups in Cambodia are urging action to safeguard vital coral habitats following the first-ever observation of coral reef spawning in Cambodian waters. The discovery, made possible through collaborative efforts, has highlighted the importance of coral reefs in marine ecosystems and the need for their protection.
Representatives from various organizations, including the Fisheries Administration (FiA), Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Cambodia, and the Song Saa Foundation, witnessed the historic spawning event in early March. Coral spawning, a crucial reproductive process, serves as an indicator of reef health and resilience against environmental stressors like climate change.
According to Hem Manita of FFI Cambodia, the timing of coral spawning is essential for reef management, enabling the implementation of restoration techniques and monitoring of coral health. She emphasized the significance of coral reefs not only for marine biodiversity but also for supporting coastal communities reliant on tourism and fisheries.
Manita revealed that Cambodia's coastal provinces, particularly Preah Sihanouk, harbor significant coral reefs, covering a total area of 2,882 hectares. Healthy corals play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and spawning grounds for numerous species.
Khvay Atitya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, hailed the discovery as a milestone in Cambodian conservation efforts. He underscored the need for collective action to protect natural assets and advocated for further research on island and coastal resources, with a focus on seagrass and coral.
Atitya highlighted ongoing initiatives to study rare and endangered wildlife species in coastal areas, including mangrove forest cultivation to safeguard natural resources. FFI Cambodia and its partners are actively engaging with local communities to raise awareness about marine conservation and enhance livelihoods along Cambodia's coast.
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Representatives from various organizations, including the Fisheries Administration (FiA), Fauna & Flora International (FFI) Cambodia, and the Song Saa Foundation, witnessed the historic spawning event in early March. Coral spawning, a crucial reproductive process, serves as an indicator of reef health and resilience against environmental stressors like climate change.
According to Hem Manita of FFI Cambodia, the timing of coral spawning is essential for reef management, enabling the implementation of restoration techniques and monitoring of coral health. She emphasized the significance of coral reefs not only for marine biodiversity but also for supporting coastal communities reliant on tourism and fisheries.
Manita revealed that Cambodia's coastal provinces, particularly Preah Sihanouk, harbor significant coral reefs, covering a total area of 2,882 hectares. Healthy corals play a vital role in marine ecosystems, providing habitat, food, and spawning grounds for numerous species.
Khvay Atitya, spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment, hailed the discovery as a milestone in Cambodian conservation efforts. He underscored the need for collective action to protect natural assets and advocated for further research on island and coastal resources, with a focus on seagrass and coral.
Atitya highlighted ongoing initiatives to study rare and endangered wildlife species in coastal areas, including mangrove forest cultivation to safeguard natural resources. FFI Cambodia and its partners are actively engaging with local communities to raise awareness about marine conservation and enhance livelihoods along Cambodia's coast.
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Translation:
Translated by AI
