Humans and animals are dependent on the preservation of coral reefs. Image source: Shutterstock (#248941720)
In the Caribbean, a lot of people depend on coral reefs for their survival. With many being unemployed, fishing opportunities and revenues from tourism would certainly help. Nature conservation initiatives, often community-driven are slowly restoring battered coral reefs to counteract their destruction. Coral reefs and mangroves also protect against storms and hurricanes, which is important for many poor islands without proper coastal defense mechanisms.
To assist in the cause of ecosystem restoration, the Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida is creating climate-resistant coral species through strain crossing. These could decrease the energy of incoming waves by up to 97 percent.
Caribbean governments think about minimizing the damage caused by natural hazards rather than preventing them altogether through restoration of ecosystems. The World Bank thus reacted and now offers reduced premiums to governments to take steps in the right direction.
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