The Western Indian Ocean Critical Habitats Outlook (WIO-CHO), launched at the 13ᵗʰ WIOMSA Scientific Symposium, delivers a comprehensive assessment of the region’s vital marine ecosystems. Developed under the Nairobi Convention’s WIOSAP initiative, the report evaluates multiple marine ecosystems including, coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrasses across 10 contracting countries, highlighting critical challenges and strategic solutions.
Chapter 10 of the report focuses exclusively on coral reefs, which cover an area of about 11 980 km2², in the region, and support local economies through fisheries, tourism, and coastal protection valued at USD 20.8 billion dollars. However, the outlook warns that these reefs are under severe and growing threats.
The greatest dangers to coral reefs in the Western Indian Ocean are climate change and overfishing, both intensified by rapid population growth, expanding coastal economic activities, and other human-induced pressures. Rising sea temperatures trigger coral bleaching events, while unsustainable fishing disrupts ecological balances, exacerbating reef degradation.
Despite many existing conservation programs, the report stresses that more concerted and well-resourced efforts are urgently needed. With coral reefs facing imminent danger from climate impacts, overexploitation, and pressures related to coastal development and the emerging Blue Economy, the report calls for accelerated coral reef conservation and restoration.
Importantly, the science underpinning effective coral reef management has advanced significantly in recent decades. The report urges stakeholders to translate this knowledge into immediate, practical actions, including stronger management frameworks, enhanced monitoring, regional cooperation, and integrating coral reef protection into broader coastal planning.
The report concludes, emphasising that protecting coral reefs is not only vital for biodiversity but also essential for the livelihoods of millions who depend on these ecosystems across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Citation:
Nairobi Convention and WIOMSA. 2025. Western Indian Ocean Critical Habitats Outlook: Towards achievement of the Global Biodiversity Framework Targets. Nairobi Convention, Kenya, and WIOMSA, Tanzania. 414 pp
