Page 8 - Comoros Report

The Situation

Degradation of mangrove forests and sea grasses ecosystem
The loss of mangrove in Comoros has been due to over harvesting of firewood, charcoal and timber
mainly because of a population influx in the coastal areas. There has also been coastal infrastructural
development in Grande Comore and Anjouan Domomi; and the constant need of land for human
housing, effects of climate change, effects coastal industrial developments and changes in sediment
Country Profile
flows have posed great challenges to the mangrove forests(source).
The increase of terrigenous deposits from fresh water streams and discharge of wastewater in rivers
which support the growth of seagrasses have also caused an imbalance in the ecosystem. Other
The Republic of Comoros
challenges include soil erosion, deforestation and sand mining.

Environmental impacts on coral

Bleaching is one of the major negative impacts on coral and is as a result of rise in water temperature
triggered by climate change. Rapid coastal urbanization and activities, which has accelerated marine
pollution. Unregulated and unsustainable methods of fishing such trawling and seining which damage
coral reef thus interfering with their development. Extraction for construction and other coastal
development purposes. Dredging for beach enrichment and maintenance.

Protecting coral reef is not an option. Considering that coral reef in Comoros produce about 3000 tons
of reef fish per year (translating to 2 billion Comorian francs annually) their protection is paramount
(source). Unfortunately, the last decade has witnessed massive degradation of Comorian coral reef.
About 30 per cent of the coral reef in Comoros got damaged with 60 per cent struggling with the
pollution and ocean acidification challenges(source).

The constraints
Overexploitation of resources

Overexploitation of sand, pebbles and sediments

Poaching

Threatened species such as dugongs and sea turtles due to poaching. Limited data on marine assessments

Weak institutions
There is an absence of collaborative linkages between the institutions involved in the management of
marine resources. Some of the reasons for this include the lack of technical expertise, poor technology,
limited private investment and limited research conducted.

The opportunity
Ecosystem resources can support economic growth

The Comorian marine ecosystem offers a platform for the realization of economic empowerment
to both the state and the Comorian population. The sector offer employment opportunity through
sectors such as fishing and tourism. To the state, it earns it income in terms of contribution to the GDP.

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