Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation

This is a business plan for the proposed development of an organization called China Coral Conservation Center (CCCC). Thirty four percent of all coral reefs on earth are found in Southeast Asia, with 50 out of all 70 coral genera living there. Coral reefs in Southeast Asia are also the most threatened in the world, about 85% are at risk from local threats (ie. Coastal development, overfishing, destructive fishing, marine-based pollution). Hainan Island is the largest island in China and it relies heavily on tourism. Because of this, Hainan Island residents have a motivation to conserve the island’s biodiversity and ecosystems by maintaining their abundant coral reefs. Research has found that coral abundance has declined by at least 80% over the past 30 years on coastal fringing reefs along the Chinese mainland and adjoining Hainan Island. The main risks to this area are coastal development, pollution, overfishing, and destructive fishing practices. While this is a serious issue, local knowledge of reefs and their importance is severely lacking. This project presents the need for the CCCC to enhance public awareness, the plan for the organization’s early stages, and the approach it will take.