Coral reefs are critical ecosystems, home to the highest marine biodiversity, providing habitats for countless species and supporting the health of oceans worldwide. Despite covering just 0.1% of the Earth's surface, they generate over $375 billion annually in goods and services and contribute to medical research. However, coral reefs are facing severe threats, including pollution, habitat destruction, overfishing, and climate change, which are causing rapid degradation. In the last decade, we've lost about 14% of these ecosystems, threatening marine biodiversity and coastal communities that depend on reefs for food, income, and storm protection.

The primary drivers of coral reef decline are land-based pollution, such as agricultural runoff and sewage, which introduce harmful nutrients and chemicals that lead to algal blooms, blocking sunlight essential for coral survival. Human activities like coral mining, bottom trawling, and anchor damage also contribute to the destruction of reefs. Overfishing, particularly of herbivorous fish like parrotfish, disrupts the balance of algae growth, further threatening reef stability. Additionally, rising ocean temperatures from climate change stress coral reefs, making it harder for them to reproduce and thrive.

The degradation of coral reefs jeopardizes marine ecosystems, food security, and economic stability, especially for coastal communities that rely on healthy reefs for protection and income. Damaged reefs increase the risk of coastal erosion and disrupt biodiversity, making ecosystems more vulnerable to environmental disasters. As reefs continue to decline, the impacts on both wildlife and human populations grow, threatening the delicate balance of marine environments.

In response, the Coral Reef Alliance is implementing solutions to protect and restore reefs. These include conducting research to develop effective conservation strategies and collaborating with NGOs, scientists, and policymakers to turn this research into actionable solutions. They also work with local communities and businesses to promote sustainable practices, establish Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to safeguard reef habitats, address land-based pollution, restore watersheds, and combat overfishing. Through these efforts, the Coral Reef Alliance aims to ensure the resilience and long-term survival of coral reefs for future generations.