Much like tropical rainforests, coral reefs have a special place in natural history and science. Despite covering less than 0.1 per cent of the ocean floor, they are home to around a quarter of all sea species and form an important part of the marine food chain.
As coral reef systems are collapsing, we are witnessing a global decline in the number of marine species. There is also the problem of coral bleaching — a global climate change phenomenon — where corals get dry, bleached and lose their vibrant array of colours.
However, awareness and activism around coral conservation is on the rise thanks to documentaries like Chasing Coral and Seaspiracy on Netflix.
Although India lags behind in creating awareness about such conservation, Coral Woman by Priya Thuvassery, a monumental Indian documentary on corals and marine life across the country, has started to make waves.
The documentary features the inspiring story of Uma Mani, a homemaker who after a scuba diving session gets hooked to the oceans. She has become a marine activist and paints corals to bring colour back into them, symbolising the reversal of coral bleaching.
How Indians are stepping up for corals
Every year on June 5, observed as World Environment Day, we mostly talk about the environment in terms of land. But it is just as essential to include the marine environment in conversations about climate change.
The marine environment is usually accessible only to scuba divers and marine explorers. Some of India’s leading scuba divers like Anees Adenwala, Zahaan Adenwala, Sumer Verma and Anup Jat have their own social initiatives related to marine life and coral conservation.
As diving is becoming popular as an adventure sport, India’s youngsters are also getting to learn more about the threat to corals and marine life. Many such youngsters have taken initiatives of their own or have joined coral conservation initiatives.
Anoop Keshari from Varanasi illustrates marine life and corals to raise awareness. Jenissa Paharia, a student at the University of Warwick, UK, has launched international fundraisers through global collaborations for conserving corals in India.
Vidhan Bubna, a student at the University of British Columbia, Canada, engages in marine activism by raising funds for corals at his university. He also hosts marine awareness workshops across NGOs in Mumbai.
Conservation efforts have not been enough so far
Only a few properties in Maldives have started working on coral regeneration projects. Vidhi Bubna
The Maldives has a vibrant marine life comprising manta rays, reef sharks, turtles, sea anemones, sting rays, jellyfish and other macro-life marine creatures. Coral reefs are also widespread across the islands. But very little is being done to conserve them. A few organisations are working on coral-regeneration projects, but it is not enough to make up for the rising number of dying corals.
Many areas in India have an extensive coastline with budding reefs, but little is being done to conserve them. TT archives
Back in India, Goa, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep have an extensive coastal line with budding reefs. Unfortunately, there has not been much focus on their conservation.
Corals are a source of livelihood for local fishermen since marine life depends on the vitality of coral reefs. Moreover, local tourism depends on corals as their flamboyant colour schemes are an attraction for scuba divers in coastal destinations.
My mission with Coral Warriors
Vidhi Bubna founded Coral Warriors in 2021. Vidhi Bubna
Coral Warriors is an initiative I founded soon after my first dive in the Andamans that had given me the experience of witnessing coral bleaching. It is India’s first-ever diving grant that aims to teach Indians about diving and experiencing marine life.
This World Environment Day, Coral Warriors begins to work on a children’s book, Coral Warrior, which would describe my personal journey as a young female diver and changemaker. The book will be illustrated by prominent children’s book illustrator Chandrima Chatterjee.
Coral Warriors is working on a book as well as a documentary to spread awareness about the importance of corals. Vidhi Bubna
We are also trying to increase coral activism among children by visiting NGOs and presenting images and stories about marine life at coral workshops. After the workshops, children are given colouring books of corals along with crayons.
All these initiatives aim to make young people aware about the impact of climate change, with particular focus on coral conservation among children. Apart from this, we are also working on a documentary film that would showcase the wonders of scuba diving.
