Conserving Coral Reef Ecosystems Of Aqaba
by Kawther Abu Sahyoun of Aisha Bint Abi Baker High School For Girls
Subject Ecology, Science
The most significant feature of Jordan’s marine environment is the coral reef ecosystems. coral reefs are biodiversity reservoirs of 450 species of fish, and more than 127 types of coral formation, significant sources of food and income (mainly tourism), the coral reefs of Aqaba , have been at the center of the economic development of Aqaba city . Consequently, these coral reefs are among the most threatened area in the Red Sea. There are many threats such as over fishing , construction of urban area along the coastline , carbon pollution, possibility to execute Red Sea to Dead Sea canal ..etc
We must increase the awareness to protect coral reefs ecosystems and encourage national , regional and international initiatives , cooperation and commitment to conserve and sustainably manage coral reefs.
Activity 1:
Coral reefs are primary source of food for people , provide various chemicals compound that is used in medicines, and coral reefs tourism is highly attractive.
https://myhero.com/360-coral-reefs-live-below-the-surface
https://myhero.com/film_SaveCoral
Explore more resources and check the followings:
1- Define the followings: Coral , biodiversity , global warming,
2- why are coral reefs called the rain forests of the sea , link it to its influence to biodiversity?
3- What are the consequences of destruction coral reef ecosystems ?
4- Describe the coral reef ecosystems status in Aqaba, and describe it's importance to Aqaba.
Activity 2:
https://myhero.com/SCIENTISTS_RACE_TO_SAVE_CORAL_REEFS_AP
https://myhero.com/film_restoringcoralreefs
Discuss the above resources and answer the followings:
1- What is our role to protect coral reef ecosystems?
2- Define the followings: acidification , coral thermal tolerance ?
3- what is restoring coral reefs project main objectives (connect it with coral extinction)?
Activity 3
Marine Science Station , The Royal Marine Conservation Society of Jordan (JREDS)
Do you think that national or regional organizations that work to protect coral reef ecosystems are enough without that need of international collaboration , assistance (link this with sustainable Development of ecosystem).
Activity 4
Have you heard about Red Sea to Dead Sea canal project , check the influence of such project if it is executed to the coral reef ecosystems .
Activity 5
Search for individuals , initiatives , activities and / or organizations that help to protect Aqaba coral reef ecosystems, write myhero story ?
The five activities will be divided so that each group will discuss one activity, the assessment will be according to the following standards:
1- Students are able to use all the internet resources and give clear and comprehensive answers. scale : 8-10
2- Students are able to use resources but their answers are comprehensive, covering all requirements , but they are fragmented and unconnected. scale 6-8
3- Student are unable to use the resources properly, incomprehensive answers. scale 5.
4- Student are unable to use resources, they give incomprehensive and incorrect answers . scale 4 to 3.