Description

This shapefile features the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) for 108 coral reef countries and territories classified according to an index of their reef dependence, adaptive capacity, and social vulnerability. Results are presented as quartiles, with 27 countries/territories classified in each of four categories (low, medium, high, and very high for Reef Dependence and Social Vulnerability; very low, low, medium, and high for Adaptive Capacity). The Reef Dependence index is based on the following inputs: reef-associated population, reef fisheries employment, reef-associated exports, nutritional dependence on fish and seafood, reef-associated tourism, and shoreline protection. The Adaptive Capacity index is based on the following inputs: economic resources, education, health (life expecancy), governance, access to markets, and agricultural resources. The Social Vulnerability index is based on the combination of the Reef Dependence index, Adaptive Capacity index, and exposure to reef threats (i.e., the Reefs at Risk integrated local threat index). The EEZs for uninhabited and sparsely inhabited territories with coral reefs are also included in this shapefile, but are not included in the indices.

The purpose of this dataset is to provide a comparative analysis of coral reef countries and territories according to their reef dependence, adaptive capacity, and social and economic vulnerability to reef loss. Results were compiled at the national level, or in some cases the sub-national level where data were available.

The data files include GIS data sets and KML files for use in Google Earth and other map applications that support KML.

See the README file for source information.