As we head into the peak of the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, one of the busiest ever predicted for our region, the urgency of addressing the impact of hurricanes and their associated debris on Caribbean coral reefs has never been greater.
Hurricanes produce an immense amount of debris, from construction materials and household items to uprooted trees and garden waste. This debris, carried by winds and storm surge, inevitably finds its way into the ocean, where it can cause significant damage to benthic ecosystems, including to coral reefs. These globally critical marine ecosystems, which support an array of marine life are integral to the Caribbean’s identity and economy, are facing unprecedented threats from debris generated by increasingly frequent and intense hurricanes. These fragile ecosystems, already stressed by climate change and human activities, are particularly vulnerable to the physical damage caused by debris. Broken, smothered, and suffocated coral struggle to survive under the impact of accumulated rubble caused by storm debris.
The aftermath of Hurricane Beryl serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing, multi-faceted climate crisis. Significant amounts of debris were deposited on coral reefs of the affected Caribbean countries, hindering recovery efforts and posing a long-term threat to the health and resilience of essential coral reef ecosystems.
Speed is of the essence when it comes to removing debris from coral reefs. The longer the debris remains, the more damage it can inflict through continued movement by waves and currents.
Clean-up efforts require coordinated groups of divers and snorkelers to systematically remove debris which is transported to appropriate, and previously identified disposal sites, a crucial step in preventing it from returning into the marine environment. Often, repeated clean-up efforts are necessary to ensure that all debris is removed, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and response as part of a coordinated effort post-disaster.
The challenge of debris removal after the passage of a major hurricane also presents an opportunity to embrace circular economy principles. Rather than merely disposing of collected debris, there is potential to recycle and repurpose materials. Organic debris, such as tree branches and trunks, can be composted and used in land rehabilitation projects. Non-organic materials, like plastics and metals, can be recycled and reintegrated into the production cycle, reducing the environmental footprint of clean-up operations. Adopting a circular economy approach not only helps restore coral reefs but also contributes to broader sustainability goals. This approach emphasizes viewing waste as a resource that can be managed and reused, aligning with global efforts to reduce waste and promote environmental sustainability.
The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund (CBF) is a regional umbrella environmental fund that supports 3 core programs that align closely with the needs of coral reef conservation and resilience in the Caribbean. Its Conservation Finance Program provides the necessary financial resources for ongoing coral reef conservation efforts including sustainable financing and identifying gaps in terms of effective management of Marine Protected Areas. This financial support is provided through an Endowment Fund that CBF currently manages for 12 countries in the region. Through innovative financing mechanisms such as parametric risk insurance, the CBF is creating systems that will ensure that funds are available for rapid response and long-term recovery efforts, including debris removal and coral restoration projects.
CBF´s Climate Change Program focuses on using natural solutions to enhance the resilience of ecosystems and communities to climate change. By integrating EbA strategies, such as restoring mangroves and seagrasses that protect coral reefs from storm surges, the program helps reduce the vulnerability of coral reefs to hurricane damage and promotes ecosystem recovery.
The CBF´s third program, theNature-based Economies Program aims to fund projects that apply practical circular economy principles to minimize, prevent, or remove waste entering the marine environment. This approach mitigates environmental impact and creates economic opportunities for local communities.
The impact of hurricane debris on coral reefs is a pressing environmental issue requiring immediate and sustained action. By prioritizing debris removal and incorporating circular economy principles, we can mitigate the damage to coral reefs and contribute to their recovery and resilience. As the threat of severe hurricanes looms, it is essential to act swiftly and strategically to protect these vital ecosystems for future generations. The Caribbean Biodiversity Fund’s programs provide essential support in this endeavor, ensuring financial, ecological, and sustainable management frameworks are in place to address these challenges effectively.
