Coastal protection

• Coral reefs act as natural buffer against wave action and erosion, protecting the coastal communities and beaches from storm damage and loss of life. Reefs are also able to protect the highly productive wetlands along the coast, ports and harbors as well as the economies they support. It is estimated that more than 450 million people live within 60 kilometres of coral reefs and are benefited from its production and protection.

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Tourism and recreation

• Healthy reefs contribute to local economies through tourism. Diving tours, fishing trips, hotels and resorts, restaurants and other businesses based near reef system provide job opportunities and income to the reef communities. Some countries derive more than half of their gross national product from this industry itself. Coral reefs in Malacca Straits have an economic value of approximately US $563 million.

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Food and fishing

• Also known as the ‘rainforest of the sea’, coral reefs are the primary habitat for 25% of all marine life and provide nursery grounds for about a quarter of the ocean’s fish including species that are commercially important. When properly maintained, the reefs can yield around 15 tonnes of fish and other seafood per square kilometre each year.

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Source of medical advanced

• Coral reef species provide new medical compounds and technology to treat serious diseases including cancer and HIV. Scientists estimate that there may be another 1 to 8 million undiscovered species of reef organisms, which may translates into food security, income and a multitude of other benefits to people including new medicines for the 21st century.