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ReefLink Database

ReefLink Database

A Decision Support Tool for Linking Coral Reefs and Society through Systems Thinking

This scientific and management information database utilizes systems thinking to describe the linkages between decisions, human activities, and provisioning of reef ecosystem goods and services. This database provides:

  • Hierarchy of related topics - Click on topics below to navigate to sub-topics or related topics
  • Four kinds of information for each topic - Concept maps, scientific citations, management options, and laws
  • Three ways of searching for topics - Navigate through individual concept maps below, or see the Whole systems model or search for keywords from a Topic list.
For more information on how you can use this database, see the user's guide.


Concept Map

Concept maps (Cmaps) visually represent relationships between concepts.
- Identify which Socio-Economic Drivers create Pressures on the reef through human activities.
- Understand how Reef Ecosystem condition may impact Ecosystem Goods and Services which benefit society.
- Identify potential management or regulatory Responses to reduce impacts on environmental resources.
- Select sub-topics or related topics to expand the Cmap and see more detailed information.

Ecosystem services are the benefits people obtain from ecosystems, including regulating ecosystem processes, providing food & raw materials, and providing opportunities for recreation and aesthetic value. Pressures are human activities that create stress on the environment, including alterations of the natural landscape, discharges of pollutants, and direct alterations of the reef ecosystem. The state of the Reef Ecosystem is the condition, in terms of quantity and quality, of the abiotic and biotic components including physical, chemical, and biological variables. Responses are actions taken by groups or individuals in society and government to prevent, compensate, ameliorate or adapt to changes in Ecosystem Services or their perceived value, including policies, strategies, or interventions. Socio-Economic Drivers include the sectors that fulfill human needs for Food & Raw Materials, Water, Shelter, Health, Culture, and Security, and the Infrastructure that supports the sectors.

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