Analysis on Coral Bleaching (Soft/Hard Coral) and Coral Ecosystem Restoration Strategies—Linkage to Sustainable Industries and Economic Valuation†

Abstract

Among marine ecosystems, coral reefs play crucial roles in terms of ecological functions such as biodiversity protection and coastal protection and have significant economic value, estimated at approximately 2.7 trillion USD per year. However, the current state of coral reefs is alarming, with more than 93% of coral ecosystems being damaged primarily by human activity and climate change. In line with UN Sustainable Development Goals 13 and 14, this research aims to analyze coral bleaching in soft corals in Korea and coral reefs in Malaysia through field surveys and interviews to assess their current conditions. This study also explores strategies for the restoration of coral ecosystems, utilizing economic valuation methods such as the Toolkit for Ecosystem Service Site-Based Assessment (TESSA). Despite the limitations of applying a landscape-focused methodology to the marine environment and the lack of available data, this study emphasizes the importance of sustainable tourism and collaborative educational curricula involving governmental research institutes, universities, NGOs, and divers. These efforts are inspired by interactions with the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) at Sabah University and the Reef Check Center in Malaysia.