Dec 7, 2007, 17:23 GMT
Nusa Dua - The coral-rich maritime region between the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and Indonesia will receive special status as a protected area, under a deal reached by six Asian countries during the UN climate conference in Bali, Indonesia.
The coral reefs are to be protected from the effects of climate change by measures to be introduced to fisheries, environmental and tourism legislation in the individual countries participating in the agreement, Charles Sasabule Viva, Secretary of State for the Environment of the Solomon Islands said.
There would be a sustainable management of the coral reefs in these areas, according to the minister.
Participating countries include the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, the Solomon Islands as well as Malaysia and East Timor.
The protected area - according to coral expert Charlie Veron the 'epicentre' of subsea cultures - features 75 per cent of all known types of coral and more than 3,000 different types of fish. Half of all tuna fish live in the are, as well as six of the seven kinds of turtle and 22 types of dolphins.
Although they would be unable to stop the warming of the seas, a major factor in the destruction of the corals, the countries agreed to protect the maritime area from other dangers.
The coral reefs could resist the effects of climate change better if their general health was ensured as much as possible, said Sian Owen of the conservation organization WWF.
Under the deal it will also be forbidden to fish using explosives. Hotels and holiday sites are to be built with ecological considerations in mind. The six countries also plan to create protected areas for spawning frogs.
Your Talkback on this Story