Ian Somerhalder Coral Reef

Coastal ecosystems: Humanity’s protectors under siege.

Coastal ecosystems. Coral reefs, mangrove forests and tidal wetlands are as crucial for protecting marine wildlife as they are for curbing climate change. But these guardians of biodiversity and “blue carbon” are being lost at an alarming rate. Can we save them before they’re gone? (Source)

Voiced by Vampire Diaries star Ian Somerhalder Coral Reef comes to life, reminding humans that coral reefs are the most diverse of all marine ecosystems, the nurseries of the sea, and the critical first line of defense against approaching storms. Somerhalder is also a United Nations Environment Program Goodwill Ambassador.

“When big storms and tsunamis come through, I’m your fortress, yet you tear me apart with dynamite and poison me with cyanide,” states Coral Reef.

Roughly one-fifth of coral reefs worldwide are already damaged beyond repair. Destructive fishing practices, ocean acidification, and insensitive tourism practices such as snorkelers touching reefs, threaten the long-term conservation of coral ecosystems every day.