Local Root Causes of Biodiversity Loss

Population and settlement
Population increases and settlement in the coastal zone has led to an increase in demand for various marine resources, including foods, construction materials and other tradable commodities. Although in some cases historically poor resource management has not contained resource degradation, it is the increase in coastal populations that places a great deal of pressure on natural resources. Lack of capacity to explore offshore resources
Poverty, unequal distribution of wealth, poor education levels and the lack of private sector investment have hindered exploitation of offshore fish resources in the ecoregion. Some progress has recently been made to encourage its development but there remains the need for effective monitoring, control and surveillance over vast expanses of sea.

Decay of traditional management practices
Some fishers regard traditional resource use practices as contributing to management of fish stocks, with practices often devised to appease religious symbols. The present tendency unfortunately is to reduce the influence of such traditional practices because of conflict with national policies. Poverty and lack of economic alternatives In the EAME, poverty is a major driving force behind the degradation of marine resources. Where the majority of coastal fishers are poor and driven by the need for income, younger male fishers especially have taken to the use of destructive gears, with little or no regard for the future. Given the opportunity, many of the younger generation that use the sea would prefer to undertake a benign marine or land-based activity, but opportunities are few. The
situation is often aggravated in the poorest areas by inadequate education and health standards. The absence of alternatives, the limited infrastructure and the high costs for travel (low volumes, poor quality services and roads, and limited freezing or post-harvest treatment facilities) all contribute to maintaining the cycle of poverty in the poorer areas of the region. Unfortunately, without combating poverty and providing alternative income-generating activities, little can be achieved towards long-term conservation.

Lack of alternative construction materials
In many parts of the EAME there are no alternatives to mangrove poles and coral-based lime. Poles from sisal and Casuarina, and kiln-baked mud bricks are gaining ground as viable substitutes in some areas. However, the slow pace of change and absence of government incentives and / or relevant (and enforced) legislation results in the continued
degradation of the shallow-water coral reefs and mangrove habitats from where these resources are extracted.

Open access policy / lack of ownership
The absence of ownership of coastal resources, and thus of any stewardship incentive or motivation contributes to local fishers failing to conserve and protect mangrove forests, intertidal expanses and coral reefs. A few examples of local empowerment have recently become known, some associated with donor-led coastal management initiatives, however, it is generally agreed that a much wider adoption of local management is needed. It is also recognised that local empowerment does not necessarily guarantee sustainable resource use, and that other factors (e.g. education, awareness, absence of corruption) are also needed.

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