Coral, throughout the world, are vulnerable towards impact of climate change – acidification, sea level rise, and water temperature – coastal development impacts including sedimentation, nutrient discharge, and other local stressors like disease, invasive species, (over) tourism, and unsustainable fishing. The main discussion points in this keynote speech is about analyzing past, present trend and future scenarios of coral bleaching, and socio-economic impact of coral degradation. Focus of discussion has been done especially in southeast Asia (SeA).

Major threats to coral in SeA is highlighted which includes, over fishing, marine-based pollution, and integrated local threat and thermal stress. The paradox of over tourism, economic opportunities and coral degradation, and the successful and ongoing coral restoration strategy in Maya bay, Thailand is also discussed. Scenario-analysis and quantitative risk assessment is very much crucial, and bridging the gap between policy-makers and researchers should be enhanced with evidence-based science communication for the formulation of effective coral restoration policies. Discussion is wrapped up with analysis of the existing relevant policies in SeA, and the strategy for the formation of collaborative platform and enhancing resilience-based management strategy for coral restoration is proposed.