Among the most fragile but also more precious ecosystems of our planet, the coral reef They are facing an unprecedented crisis. In the last thirty yearsit is estimated that beyond the 50% of corals has been lost and, if you don’t intervene, this percentage could go up to 90% by the end of the century.
The causes are manifold and well known: pollution from marine wastethe excessive fishingand above all the climate changewhich causes the enclosure of ocean temperatures and water acidification. All these factors put a strain on the survival of coralswho are not only a wonder to admire, but perform essential functions for theBalance of the marine ecosystem.
In addition to being habitat for thousands of speciescoral reefs play a role of Natural protection against coastal erosion and floods. Offer food sustenance to many communities and contribute to absorbing thecarbon dioxide Present in the water, thus helping to mitigate the effects of global warming.
Recover the coral fragments to put them back in natural barriers
According to the report of the United Nations on the marine biodiversityeven if they only occupy 1% of the ocean surfacethe coral reefs host about the 25% of all marine species. A fact that shows how crucial to the health of the sea are.
Fortunately, there are virtuous realities that work to reverse the course: people and organizations that commit themselves every day in the regeneration of the oceans. Among these there is Coral Gardenersan initiative born in the French Polynesia which since 2017 has already planted further 30,000 new corals.
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Their method consists in recover coral fragments fallen on unsuitable seabedtransferring them to submarine structures designed to encourage growth. When corals reach a sufficient size, they come replanted in barriers natural.
Concrete actions like these remind us that the future of the oceans also depends on us. Every effort matters for preserve biodiversityprotect the coasts and guarantee a healthier planet to future generations. After all, saving the coral means save ourselves and the generations that will come.
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