Coral Triangle

Overview

The Coral Triangle is a geographical term referring to a marine area located in the western Pacific Ocean. It includes the waters of Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste and Solomon Islands. This region is recognized as the global center of marine biodiversity and is a worldwide priority for conservation.

Geography

The Coral Triangle is defined by marine areas containing more than 500 species of reef-building corals. It spans a total of 5.7 million square kilometers, with a coastline that stretches over 36,000 kilometers. The region is bounded by the Pacific and Indian Oceans and the seas of East and Southeast Asia.

Biodiversity

The Coral Triangle is home to the highest diversity of marine life on earth. It contains 76% of all known coral species, 37% of all known coral reef fish species, and 53% of the world’s coral reefs. The region also provides habitat for six of the world’s seven marine turtle species.

Coral Reefs

The coral reefs of the Coral Triangle are some of the most diverse and important in the world. They provide critical habitat for numerous species of fish and other marine organisms, and play a vital role in maintaining the health of the world's oceans.

Threats

The Coral Triangle is under threat from a variety of sources, including overfishing, destructive fishing practices, pollution, and climate change. These threats are causing significant damage to the region's coral reefs and other marine ecosystems, leading to declines in biodiversity and threatening the livelihoods of millions of people who depend on these resources for their survival.

Conservation Efforts

Numerous conservation efforts are underway to protect the Coral Triangle, including the establishment of marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and efforts to combat climate change. These initiatives are being led by a variety of organizations, including governments, non-governmental organizations, and local communities.