Preserving coral biodiversity: A strategic investment in our planet’s future

Coral reefs, the rainforest of the seas, are crucial to our oceans' health. Covering just 1% of the ocean's surface, these ecosystems support about 25% of marine species (H?der, 2021). They offer essential benefits like coastal protection, support for fisheries, and sustainable tourism, while also contributing to medical and cosmetic advancements. However, they are facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their survival.

The Great Barrier Reef legacy, an innovative nonprofit based in Australia, is leading coral conservation efforts with the Forever Reef Project. By merging advanced technology with traditional ecological knowledge and collaborating with Indigenous communities and businesses, the Forever Reef Project is reshaping marine conservation to ensure a vibrant future for coral biodiversity.

An insurance policy for conservation

Central to the Forever Reef Project’s mission is their “insurance policy” for coral biodiversity. This concept involves safeguarding a variety of coral species to secure the future of marine ecosystems. The organisation implants microchips in the base of each coral for precise tracking and monitoring. These microchips manage a living library of genetic diversity, which can be reintroduced to the wild when conditions improve.

This approach ensures that if wild coral populations are devastated by climate change or other threats, a reserve of healthy, diverse corals will be ready to restore and rebuild damaged reefs. This strategy not only preserves genetic richness but also supports broader goals of maintaining healthy marine ecosystems.

The Forever Reef Project aims to collect and preserve every species of hard coral on the Great Barrier Reef by 2026. This involves not only gathering species but also ensuring genetic diversity by sourcing corals from different regions. The challenge includes locating and maintaining lesser-known species, often in remote reef areas.

Scientific advances and practical impacts

There is an abundance of novel, unexplored bioactive compounds that can be derived from corals with potential applications in pharmaceuticals, nutritional supplements, enzymes, pesticides, and cosmetics. Some of these compounds have proven valuable in cancer therapy and pain management, including those with antiviral and anticancer properties (H?der, 2021). The Forever Reef Project's work extends beyond conservation, with an eye to the future of helping medicine and cosmetics organisations to deliver genomic sequencing on the diverse range of corals which are present at the Great Barrier Reef. This is being made possible by a group of organisations who are collaborating as part of the Coral Biobank Alliance.

Looking to the future

The next twelve months are crucial for the Forever Reef Project as they prepare to move into a larger facility. This expansion will double their capacity, accommodate more coral species, and enhance educational outreach. The new facility will also serve as a public centre to raise awareness about coral conservation.

The organisation's strategy includes collaborating with Indigenous communities. By establishing coral conservation hubs on traditional lands, the Forever Reef Project t empowers these communities to protect marine biodiversity. These hubs, in specially designed shipping containers, provide tools and knowledge for coral management, creating jobs and supporting traditional ecological practices.

The Forever Reef Project’s long-term vision includes creating a global network of coral biobanks, similar to the Svalbard Global Seed Vault, to ensure the survival of coral species worldwide. As the organisation grows, it remains committed to innovation, community empowerment, and biodiversity preservation.

Building a legacy through corporate responsibility

The Forever Reef Project’s approach offers businesses a chance to demonstrate their commitment to creating an impact legacy. By investing in the Forever Reef Project, companies can join a pioneering effort with lasting positive impacts on our planet for future generations.

Investing in biodiversity is not only ethical but also strategic. As consumers become more eco-conscious, companies that prioritise sustainability are better positioned to attract and retain customers. Supporting the Forever Reef Project allows businesses to contribute to marine biodiversity preservation while building a brand impact legacy that can be shared with stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Forever Reef Project is leading a global movement to save our planet’s coral reefs. By integrating the latest technology with traditional wisdom and forming strategic partnerships with communities and businesses, the Forever Reef Project is not just preserving coral species but also setting a blueprint for global conservation efforts.

Reference

H?der, D.-P., 2021. Bioreactive Substances from Coral Reefs and Gorgonians. In: L. M. Bortman, R. J. Vreeland, and B. H. Singer, eds. Advances in Marine Biology. 1st ed. Amsterdam: Academic Press, pp. 463-490. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780128206553000197?via%3Dihub