Coastal Institute

Melva Trevino Pena - CELS/Marine Affairs

There is an increasing gap between emerging technological and scientific advances and integrating those knowledge gains into conservation solutions on the ground. Many coral reefs, whose ecosystems are in critical need of applied conservation, occur in regions with limited access to technology and data which could provide needed information for effective conservation and management. And many are managed directly by people who rely on them for food security. This presents an opportunity for innovative solutions that bring people, technology, and traditional knowledge together. Our approach hits all of the major goals of the Coastal Institute to advance knowledge and solutions for coastal management and promote science communication for improved stewardship of coastal socio-environmental systems. This project aims to create a maps of management bright spots and vulnerabilities in coral reef and human health, and a support system for interpretation, to enhance capacity for stewardship in a rapidly changing seascape and culturescape. Our project will combine modern science with traditional knowledge and practices, and launch that new knowledge into applied solutions for the protection of these critical, biodiverse habitats.