Due to the ravaging effects of climate change, coral reefs globally are on the decline. United against the same problem, both scientific and local communities in the Coral Triangle are working to protect their reefs. At Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok A team led by Dr. Suchana Chavanich is focusing on coral spore cryopreservation, a technique by which scientists preserve coral sperm for future generations. Additionally, native divers of Tidung Island, Indonesia, concerned about damage caused by pollution and overfishing, are transplanting coral all around the island to encourage growth. Thankfully, these efforts have been working. On the island, coral growth rates are 10-15 centimeters annually, and projected to increase even more. This island’s success story really goes to show that every community can make a difference, and that the ocean can be saved.

The destruction of coral has been one of the worst repercussions of climate change and overfishing in the ocean. As one of the places most affected by these issues, Southeast Asia is working towards reversing these damages. United against the same problem, both scientific and local communities are working together to protect their reefs. A team led by Dr. Suchana Chavanich is focusing on coral spore cryopreservation, a technique used by preserving coral sperm for future propagation. Native divers of Tidung Island, Indonesia, concerned about pollution and destruction created by ports and fishing, are transporting coral all around the island to encourage growth. The growth rate on the island is currently 10-15 cm a year. By setting up concrete cube frames for both coral to grow on and fish to live in, sea life has a better chance of survival.