Why is it necessary to scale up coral restoration efforts?

Scaling up coral restoration efforts is essential primarily to address the widespread degradation of coral reefs. Coral ecosystems are under significant threat from a multitude of stressors such as climate change, pollution, overfishing, and coastal development, leading to widespread degradation and loss of biodiversity. These factors have contributed to the decline of coral cover globally, making it crucial to implement large-scale restoration initiatives that can help rebuild and rehabilitate these vital ecosystems.

By increasing the scale of restoration efforts, it is possible to not only recover degraded areas but also to enhance the resilience of coral reefs against ongoing environmental pressures. This comprehensive approach helps ensure the survival of coral species and the overall health of marine ecosystems, which provide critical services such as supporting fisheries, protecting coastlines, and contributing to tourism.

While reducing costs, enhancing the beauty of coastal areas, and discovering new coral species are beneficial outcomes, they are secondary to the primary need of reversing the degradation process and fostering the recovery of coral reefs, making them more resilient in the face of future challenges.