What are coral reefs for?

They protect coastlines. They are a natural habitat for biodiversity. They produce valuable chemical compounds for medical research. And, wherever they are found, they attract tourists from all over the world.

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Coral reefs are marine ecosystems consisting of biogenic rock formations, that is, calcareous substrates, which in turn are the result of the deposition of minerals by living marine organisms. Coral reefs are extremely important, not only for their unique and exceptional beauty, but above all for a series of essential functions they perform for the benefit of humanity and the environment.

The functions of coral reefs

 In particular, coral reefs:
  • They protect the coasts, acting as a natural barrier against erosion and strong waves, and forming a sort of wall to protect against storms, hurricanes, and rising sea levels. Furthermore, in this protective function of the coasts, they reduce the impact of waves before they reach the mainland. The crests of coral reefs are able to reduce the kinetic energy of waves by 97%. even averting the devastation of a tsunami. 
  • They help regulate the chemical balance of the oceans:  in particular the carbon and nitrogen cycle, and with this they support the entire marine ecosystem.
  • They are a natural habitat for biodiversity:  Coral reefs are home to a extraordinary variety of marine species, including fish, molluscs, crustaceans, algae and corals themselves. It is estimated that more than 25% of marine species depend on coral reefs at some stage of life.
  • They represent a resource for fishing:  Reefs provide a nutrient-rich habitat for many fish and other marine species, becoming a crucial source of food for millions of people, especially in coastal communities. It is estimated that around 500 million women and men rely on coral reefs for their livelihoods. 
  • They contribute to scientific research:  many reef organisms produce unique chemical compounds, useful for medical research. Some drugs to treat the cancer, chronic pain and infections They derive from substances found in corals or their inhabitants.
  • They attract tourists from all over the world:  for snorkeling, diving and beach holidays, and with these activities coral reefs generate billions of dollars for local economies every year.

Coral reefs regulate the climate

Coral reefs act as the "rainforests of the sea," absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and thus helping regulate the Earth's climate. The destruction of a coral reef, or even its weakening, can therefore contribute to worsening the climate crisis.

The most serious threats

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Despite their importance, coral reefs are:

How to protect coral reefs

 In contrast to the threats that threaten their survival, coral reefs must be protected with very concrete actions and decisions. For example:
  • Reducing marine pollution and protect the oceans from any waste, especially plastic and microplastic waste.
  • Ban destructive fishing, which is done with explosives and poisons. And at the same time, regulate fishing to prevent it from becoming excessive and endangering the coral reefs themselves.
  • Avoiding material damage to coral reefs: therefore  do not touch, walk or anchor boats of any kind near coral reefs. Instead, they should be created marine protected areas (MPAs), or areas where human activities are limited or prohibited to allow ecosystems to recover.
  • Fighting the climate crisis: the global warming causes coral bleaching.

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