Getting to Know the Coral Sea Foundation
The Coral Sea Foundation is at the forefront of healing the coral reefs. The women-led organization also actively advocates for the Indigenous people who live along the coast they protect.
Understanding Coral Reefs
Coral reefs are a major part of the global ecosystem. These reefs provide ample food and shelter for marine life while housing great potential for further scientific advancements. The immense biodiversity of the reefs has piqued the interest of scientists in the hope of providing new solutions in medicine.
A turtle swimming along the coral reef.The reefs are also an active tourist attraction, providing economic benefits to local communities. They also protect local communities by providing a physical barricade against marine storms. Coral reefs absorb up to 97% of the impact from the strongest coastal winds and waves. Despite their great strength, coral reefs are currently threatened by increased diseases and pollution.
The Role of the Coral Sea Foundation
The Coral Sea Foundation focuses on the coast of Australia and Papua New Guinea where the reefs are located. The organization is forthright in honoring the First Nation people (Wulgurukaba) who originally inhabited the land where these Coral Sea projects are based.
On the coast of Magnetic Island, a few miles from Australia, the foundation has several bases from which they conduct their research on the reefs’ health. Their educational and career-oriented programs are Sea Women of Melanesia and Sea Women of the Great Barrier Reef. The foundation educates and employs local Indigenous women to address the environmental concerns regarding the reef. The women also conduct surveys, plan expeditions, and learn how to navigate the Pacific Ocean safely while earning an honest living for their noble work.
The teams combine unique aspects of media and storytelling to create a strong social media presence to highlight their cause. Their unique training and educational programs allow locals to make progressive and empowered strides.
