Rebuilding Coral Reefs: How tourism can be a driver behind solutions in a changing ocean

Coral reefs are threatened by multiple stressors that have driven a decline in the cover of reef-building coral species, resulting in a loss of reef structure and function. Restoration reef science provides useful conservation tools to preserve and restore the key species and ecological functions of these ecosystems. However, gaps remain in restoring ecosystem functions at large scales. This study provides a guide of how to invest and apply innovative solutions and immediate action strategies from the tourism-hotel sector in alliance with academia and key stakeholders, Throught development and implementation of a multi-species restoration program at two sites in the Mexican Caribbean: Manchoncitos Reef, Riviera Maya and La Francesita Reef, Cozumel. Where we have identified effective propagation and outplanting techniques for key critically endangered species, as well as genotypes resistant to temperature stress and Stony Coral Tissue Loss Disease (SCTLD). We include a comparative analysis over time (2020-2022) showing positive ecological processes and recovery of ecological functions reflected in increased coral cover, structural complexity and fish biomass. We have genetic stock available in two nurseries to develop education, research, technological innovation, recreation and tourism activities. Baseline assessment of the study areas will make it possible to adapt repopulation techniques not only for hard corals, but also to advance in the comprehensive restoration of the ecosystem to incorporate new elements to the reef, such as fish, crab or sea urchin postlarvae that accelerate herbivory functions and in turn improve the natural processes of the coral reefs, allowing for a return to equilibrium. The project will improve the understanding of the use of restoration as a tool for climate change adaptation especially in collaboration with the private sector.