Conservation and management of Mediterranean coastal biodiversity : a case for international reserves and nature parks

Abstract

Coastal habitats contain unique ecosystems that are home to numerous species of flora and fauna. This rich biodiversity is threatened with ongoing anthropogenic activity as much of the world's population inhabits these fragile coastal areas. The aim of my thesis is to raise awareness about the need to increase conservation efforts along coastal regions. While large national parks have been created in remote interior habitats, the rich mosaic of coastal ecosystems has largely been neglected. Although some coastal areas have been set aside for conservation purposes most of these reserves are too small to conserve viable populations of rare and endangered coastal and marine species. Moreover, I will analyze how coastal and marine habitats tend to be more vulnerable to the effects of climate change, pollution and the destruction of the natural environment. This is another case for setting aside larger coastal and marine protected areas. The aim of my thesis is to show the reader how global biodiversity can be appreciated and understood regionally in the Mediterranean and even more specifically in Malta. The three chapters of my thesis explore how global problems, challenges and solutions to conserving coastal biodiversity can be applied in a local Mediterranean context. Local people need to be protagonists and not just observers in reversing the loss of biodiversity. The success of global conservation ultimately rests with their participation in local conservation efforts. My thesis aims to enhance the interest of the reader in Mediterranean biodiversity in a global context. While the rapid loss of biodiversity has affected marine and terrestrial habitats permanently, the creation of large and well managed reserves that are guided with principles of sustainable development offers the last hope to mitigate the enduring effects of human activity.