Coral Reef Awareness Week: Let’s Save Our Reefs
Every third week of July, Coral Reef Awareness Week aims to raise global awareness about protecting these vital ecosystems that house thousands of species. It gathers people to attend activities like educational workshops and beach cleanups. Read on to learn why conserving coral reefs ensures their economic, social, and cultural value is an urgent matter.
Featured in: July - Awareness Months, Days & Observances.
Why Coral Reef Awareness Week Matters
Coral reefs comprise individual coral polyps fused by calcium carbonate. Rivaling rainforests and other marine environments, they are diverse ecosystems that cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but host around 25% of all marine species like various fish, invertebrates, and plants.
Besides complex ecosystems, coral reefs are natural fortresses, shielding coastlines from powerful waves and hurricanes, erosion, property damage, and risk to human life.
However, rising water temperatures, ocean acidification, overfishing, and pollution contribute to the declining coral reefs worldwide. These threats have resulted in coral bleaching and death, which have far-reaching consequences for the 500 million people who depend on these reefs for their livelihoods. Clearly, coral reef ecosystems are valuable to us and many animals in many ways.
Data and Statistics
Occupying just 0.2% of the sea floor, coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots1, providing habitat for a staggering 25% of all marine species across 100+ countries and territories.
Unfortunately, the Coral Reef Alliance, a leading environmental NGO, reports that 75% of global coral reefs are in danger, with estimations predicting a rise to 90% by 2030.
Saving them is urgent. The 2020 Status of Coral Reefs of the World states that coral reefs contribute over $2.7 trillion annually to the economy, with $36 billion in tourism.
How to Protect Coral Reefs
- Limit your carbon footprint by using energy-efficient appliances, reducing air travel, and adopting a plant-based diet.
- Choose sunscreens labeled 'reef-safe,' which means they do not contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can damage coral reefs.
- Avoid purchasing coral reef souvenirs. The demand for these products contributes to the destruction of these ecosystems. Instead, support local communities that sell sustainable and eco-friendly products.
- Join beach clean-ups. Plastic and other marine debris can harm coral reefs, and beach clean-ups can help reduce the amount of waste in our oceans.
- Donate to or volunteer with organizations like Coral Reef Alliance, conducting research, advocating for policy changes, and undertaking restoration projects.
Brief Timeline of Coral Reef Awareness Week
Establishing the International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI) marks the first global effort to conserve coral reefs.
ICRI declares 2000 the International Year of the Reef to raise awareness and understanding of coral reefs' value and importance.
The United States established National Coral Reef Awareness Week, recognizing the importance of coral reefs to its coastal communities and marine ecosystems.
The second International Year of the Reef emphasizes the threats to coral reefs worldwide and promotes conservation efforts.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) launches the Coral Reef Conservation Program, focusing on a comprehensive approach to effective coral reef management.
The International Society for Reef Studies declares the third International Year of the Reef, stressing the urgent need to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions.
The "50 Reefs" initiative aims to identify and protect the 50 most critical coral reefs that are least vulnerable to climate change and capable of repopulating other reefs over time.
The Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network highlights the accelerated decline of coral reefs due to climate change and other human activities.
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) declares 2021-2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, which focuses on coral reef restoration.
Conclusion
This week-long celebration aims to raise awareness of the threats coral reefs face. Since they support a wide range of marine life, we must preserve the fragile underwater ecosystems they create.
We must give coral reefs the attention they deserve, whether through reducing our carbon footprint or supporting scientific research.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
This annual event calls for consumers, businesses, and organizations to reflect on the status of this delicate ecosystem every third week of July. Ultimately, it encourages everyone to restore coral reefs.
The Coral Reef Conservation Act established the program in 2000 to protect, conserve, and restore the nation's coral reefs by maintaining their healthy ecosystem function.
Coral reefs support many species more than any other marine environment. They also protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities, and offer recreation opportunities. They are also a source of food and new medicines. Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection.
They are a natural carbon storage facility, mitigating climate change.
| 1 | ICRI, GCRMN, Australia Institute of Marine Science, UNEP. (2020). Status of Coral Reefs of the World 2020. |
Mike is a degree-qualified researcher and writer passionate about increasing global awareness about climate change and encouraging people to act collectively in resolving these issues.
Fact Checked By:
Isabela Sedano, BEng.
