Core Insights - The report highlights the degradation of global coastal ecosystems over the past half-century, with seagrass beds, coral reefs, mollusk reefs, and kelp forests experiencing the most severe declines, averaging a net loss rate of over 1% per year [1][2] Group 1: Ecosystem Status - The report is the first systematic assessment of coastal ecosystem status, compiled by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) [1] - Coastal ecosystems exhibit significant zonal characteristics, with tropical regions hosting 88% of global seagrass beds, 97% of mangroves, and 99% of coral reefs, while temperate regions contain 69% of coastal salt marshes and most kelp forests and mollusk reefs [1] Group 2: Causes of Degradation - Major factors contributing to coastal ecosystem degradation include urbanization, climate change, and fisheries resource exploitation, with agriculture, marine mining and energy development, and marine transportation also causing disturbances [1] - The ongoing socio-economic development in coastal areas may exacerbate these impacts if effective intervention measures are not implemented [1] Group 3: Conservation Efforts and Recommendations - Currently, 12.4% of coastal areas are under protection, but overall conservation efforts need to be strengthened, particularly for typical ecosystems [2] - The report suggests three action recommendations: deepen assessments of ecosystem distribution and long-term changes, expand on-site protection and promote large-scale restoration of degraded ecosystems, and advance green low-carbon development in coastal areas [2] - The report calls for global cooperation to protect coastal ecosystems, emphasizing the need for integrated governance, fisheries resource recovery, and green shipping technologies [2]