Scientists Highlight ‘Donor Paradox’ in Coastal Ecosystem Restoration at International Coral Reef Symposium

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Scientists Highlight ‘Donor Paradox’ in Coastal Ecosystem Restoration at International Coral Reef Symposium

Scientists Highlight ‘Donor Paradox’ in Coastal Ecosystem Restoration at International Coral Reef Symposium

Ecosphere News World Affairs 2026-07-26 07:59:37

New Zealand: Scientists and conservation experts are calling for a more sustainable approach to restoring coastal ecosystems, warning that removing corals, seagrasses, or other living materials from healthy reefs to rehabilitate degraded areas can unintentionally cause greater ecological harm.
The issue, known as the "donor paradox," was highlighted during the International Coral Reef Symposium (ICRS) 2026 in New Zealand by Aldo Croquer, Marine Conservation Program Manager for the Central Caribbean at The Nature Conservancy (TNC).
In his presentation, Croquer explained that while ecological restoration has become an essential tool for reversing the decline of coral reefs and other coastal habitats, sourcing restoration materials from healthy ecosystems must be carefully managed. If harvesting corals or other living organisms damages donor sites more than restoration benefits degraded ecosystems, the overall outcome can result in a net loss for biodiversity and ecosystem health.
The presentation drew on CoralCarib, a coral restoration initiative in the Dominican Republic, as a case study. The project examines practical solutions to minimise impacts on donor reefs while maximising restoration success. It also provides recommendations for making future restoration programmes more sustainable, scientifically informed, and ecologically effective.
Experts emphasised that restoration should complement, rather than replace, efforts to protect existing healthy coral reefs. Strengthening conservation measures, reducing local environmental pressures, and applying science-based restoration practices are considered essential for ensuring the long-term resilience of coastal ecosystems in the face of climate change, pollution, and other human-induced threats.
The discussion at ICRS 2026 reinforces the growing global consensus that successful ecosystem restoration must balance ecological recovery with the protection of the healthy habitats that serve as the foundation for future conservation efforts.
#EcosphereNews #ICRS2026 #CoralReefs #CoastalEcosystems #MarineConservation #CoralRestoration #DonorParadox #CoralCarib #DominicanRepublic #NewZealand #Biodiversity #NatureConservation #OceanHealth #ClimateAction #Sustainability

Published Date 2026-07-26 07:59:37