An Integrative Eco-Entrepreneurial Legal Framework for Climate-Resilient Coral Reef Protection

Abstrak

Climate change poses increasing threats to coral reef ecosystems through rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, and extreme weather events, while coastal communities remain dependent on marine resources for their livelihoods. This study aimed to develop an integrative eco-entrepreneurial legal framework for climate-resilient coral reef protection by examining the fragmentation of existing legal frameworks and the regulatory gaps affecting sustainable coastal economic development. The research employed a socio-legal approach, combining normative legal analysis and empirical investigation to examine legal norms, institutional structures, and their implementation in coastal contexts. Statutory, conceptual, comparative, and socio-legal approaches were applied, supported by document analysis, semi-structured interviews, and field observations. The findings revealed that coral reef protection remains governed by fragmented and sectoral regulations, resulting in institutional overlap, regulatory inconsistency, and limited integration between climate adaptation and economic development. The research further identified regulatory gaps in legal recognition, economic incentives, financing, and institutional support for eco-entrepreneurial activities. The novelty of this study lies in the formulation of an integrative eco-entrepreneurial legal framework that positions eco-entrepreneurship as a legal instrument for climate resilience rather than merely an economic activity. The proposed framework consists of three interconnected pillars: regulatory integration, economic incentive mechanisms, and community-based governance. The study concluded that integrating these three pillars can provide a more adaptive and interdisciplinary legal governance model for strengthening coral reef resilience while promoting sustainable coastal livelihoods.