5 Things We Can Do To Protect the World’s Coral Reefs

Coral reefs are pretty stunning if you ask me, and are quite mind-blowing if you’ve ever had the chance to see them all up-close and personal. Once upon a time I wasn’t aware that they play a vital role in managing the planet’s carbon dioxide levels. As a giant, living, breathing organism, they’re actually essential to regulating carbon dioxide levels in the ocean. In fact, these ecosystems play an incredibly important role in managing the effects that global warming are having on our awesome planet.

So, this World Reef Awareness Day, I wanted to share five little things we can all do to help protect our coral reefs, especially when we’re on holiday.

Let me set the scene…

You’re in absolute paradise, the Maldives, looking out on the crystal clear ocean from the deck of your overwater villa. Having caught some sunrays you decide to slink down the wooden steps straight into the cooling water below. You’re loving your new sunscreen, it’s luxuriously lush, and leaves behind a really yummy tropical scent. This is Bliss…but:

1. Sunscreen is widely used when we’re swimming, snorkelling or diving because we want to properly protect our skin, but to prevent chemical compounds like Oxybenzonate and Octinoxate found in most sunscreens from washing off in the water, causing damage to coral bleaching and interfering with corals healthy reproduction, a simple switch to a reef-safe sunscreen could make a world of difference. You could even wear a long-sleeved, rashguard with UV protection, and broad-brimmed hats do a better job protecting your skin (and the ocean) than sunscreen.

2. When visiting a coral reef, try to practice reef safe diving and snorkelling by not standing, touching or having the boat you’re out on the water with anchored directly on the reef.

3. Plant a Tree – believe it or not your tree will reduce runoff into the oceans. You will also contribute to reversing the global warming of our planet and the rising temperatures of our oceans.

As a Travel Counsellor, every time I book a holiday, I personally plant a tree on your behalf, but if you’d like to plant more or know more about Trees4Travel, do ask me for more details.

4. Consider learning more about coral reefs, their remarkable biodiversity and the special role they play as messengers for the health of our oceans and our world.

5. Once you’re in the know, chat with your family, friends and neighbours and tell them all about coral reefs, the rainforest of the sea, and explain to them about the coral reef crisis. Ask them to get involved and make a difference too!

In my opinion, being informed and conscious of our impact, can be a very powerful thing.