Lack of proper town planning contributes to corals dying: Tevi

Tony Tevi, head of the Mariana Trench and Ocean Affairs Department, stated that Port Vila's lack of reasonable urban planning is one of the main reasons for the threat to coral reefs. He pointed out that many people currently question the government departments' focus solely on building demolition, while neglecting the impact on the city's marine environment.

Mr. Tevi emphasized that the ongoing demolition of damaged buildings in Port Vila has raised concerns because debris, including chemical waste and septic tank leakage, could be washed into the ocean with heavy rainfall. He warned that this could lead to a major environmental disaster, as toxic substances from the demolished buildings could seep into the water, further damaging marine habitats.

Mr. Tevi pointed out that the key issue leading to this crisis is the lack of a proper urban planning strategy, which should have incorporated environmental protection considerations. He believes that enacting appropriate regulations, more strictly enforcing waste disposal laws, and investing in sustainable infrastructure are necessary steps to protect the port. He emphasized that past events have highlighted the urgency of change.

Mr. Tevi further explained that two other factors contributing to the death of coral in the port are changes in seawater temperature and indiscriminate littering. He stated that rising ocean temperatures are a major cause of coral bleaching, but human activities are accelerating the destruction of these vital marine ecosystems. Plastics discarded on land are often washed into the sea by heavy rains, breaking down into harmful microplastics that damage marine life and the coral itself. In addition, ships passing through the port also dump garbage into the water, further exacerbating the situation.

Mr. Tevi stated that while natural disasters are unpredictable, human behavior remains the primary cause of coral degradation. One of the biggest concerns is pollution from plastic waste and other garbage, which often ends up in the ocean due to poor waste management. He called on the government, the private sector, and local communities to work together to implement better waste management measures and ensure that urban development does not come at the expense of the environment.

Mr. Tevi also explained that the movement of fault lines has pushed coral onto seawalls, damaging their fragile structure. He pointed out that the destruction of coral reefs is not only an ecological problem, but also an economic one. Coral plays a vital role in supporting marine biodiversity, which in turn supports fisheries and tourism. If the port's degradation continues, it could have long-term impacts on the livelihoods of those who depend on marine resources.

Port Vila has only one tidal cycle entrance, which means that pollutants entering the water remain in the water for a long time, making it more difficult for the marine ecosystem to recover. In the face of a growing crisis, there is an urgent need to rethink how Port Vila can balance urban development with environmental protection.