Climate-driven coral reef change and socio-ecological resilience: a bibliometric and systematic review
Peter Adu, Jacob Nunoo, Chris Kurbom TieruPurpose
This study examines the evolution of research on climate-driven coral reef change and socio-ecological resilience through an integrated bibliometric and systematic review of peer-reviewed literature published between 2002 and 2025. The study addresses the fragmentation of existing research across ecological, socio-economic and governance perspectives by synthesizing evidence on climate stressors, ecosystem services, human well-being, adaptation strategies and resilience. It aims to map publication trends, identify dominant thematic structures and provide a comprehensive evidence base to support policy development and sustainable management of coral reef ecosystems and reef-dependent coastal communities.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a combined bibliometric and systematic review approach following the PRISMA 2020 framework. A total of 588 peer-reviewed publications published between 2002 and 2025 were retrieved from the Scopus database after a structured screening process. Bibliometric analysis was conducted using Bibliometrix (R) and VOSviewer to examine publication trends, citation patterns, collaboration networks and thematic structures. The systematic review synthesized evidence on ecosystem services, human well-being, adaptation strategies and governance mechanisms, enabling an integrated assessment of climate-driven coral reef change and socio-ecological resilience.
Findings
The findings reveal a rapidly expanding and increasingly interdisciplinary research field, characterized by strong growth in scientific output and extensive international collaboration. Six major thematic clusters were identified, centering on climate stressors, coral biology, ecosystem services, adaptation, governance and resilience. The review shows that fisheries, tourism, biodiversity conservation and coastal protection are the most frequently discussed ecosystem services linking reef health to human well-being. Key adaptation pathways include ecosystem-based management, marine-protected areas (MPAs), participatory governance, restoration initiatives and livelihood diversification, all of which contribute to strengthening socio-ecological resilience under climate change.
Research limitations/implications
This study is limited to publications indexed in the Scopus database and restricted to English-language literature, which may have excluded relevant studies from other databases and regional sources. The findings provide a comprehensive understanding of the intellectual development of coral reef socio-ecological resilience research and highlight the need for greater integration of ecological, economic and governance perspectives. Future research should strengthen links between ecological indicators and socio-economic outcomes, particularly in underrepresented regions, to support more context-specific adaptation strategies and evidence-based coral reef management.
Practical implications
The findings provide valuable guidance for policymakers, marine resource managers and conservation practitioners seeking to enhance coral reef resilience under climate change. The study highlights the importance of integrating ecosystem-based management, MPAs, participatory governance and livelihood diversification into coral reef management frameworks. By demonstrating the strong link between reef ecosystem health and human well-being, the study supports the development of adaptation policies that simultaneously protect biodiversity, sustain ecosystem services, strengthen coastal livelihoods and improve the resilience of reef-dependent communities facing increasing climate-related risks.
Social implications
The study underscores the critical role of coral reefs in supporting food security, employment, income generation and coastal protection for millions of people in tropical coastal communities. By highlighting the social consequences of climate-driven reef degradation, the findings emphasize the need for inclusive adaptation strategies that reduce vulnerability and strengthen community resilience. The study also reinforces the importance of participatory governance and livelihood diversification in enhancing social well-being, promoting equitable resource management and improving the capacity of reef-dependent populations to adapt to climate-related environmental change.
Originality/value
This study contributes to the literature by integrating bibliometric analysis and systematic review methods to provide a comprehensive synthesis of climate-driven coral reef change and socio-ecological resilience research. Unlike previous reviews that focus primarily on ecological or social dimensions, it bridges ecological disturbance, ecosystem services, human well-being and governance perspectives within a single analytical framework. By mapping the intellectual structure of the field and identifying key adaptation pathways, the study offers novel insights into the interconnected nature of reef resilience and provides a valuable evidence base for future research, policy, and management.