Maldives - preserving coral reefs

Coral reefs contain a stunning variety of species and are one of the world's most valuable ecosystems. But in the Maldives, the colorful reefs have in some places been reduced to clumps of gray chalkstone. That’s bad news because the reefs don’t just help to provide a natural barrier against high waves but also provide a crucial source of revenue for the country. Tourists from all over the world are drawn to the Maldives to explore the underwater world of sharks, manta rays and endemic fish species. But tourism is also part of the problem with waste being dumped in the sea and some tourists breaking off corals to take home as a souvenir. Coral expert Ameer Abdulla from the nature conservation organization IUCN wants all stakeholders to take responsibility for preserving the reefs. He’s set up the “House Reef” project to convince hotel managers to set up private marine conservation zones with the help of marine biologists.