Why do coral reefs get their own section? Why are they not under ‘Marine Conservation’?
It is because coral reefs are some of the most important habitats on earth. They are essentially the rainforests of the sea – they contain more species per unit area than any other marine environment as well as natural medicines which form the key in curing a wide range of human diseases such as arthritis and even cancer.
Due to their importance to the larger marine ecosystem, the lives of the Acehnese are closely linked to the preservation of coral reefs. Healthy reefs are able to contribute, directly and indirectly, to tourism and fishing. Hence this habitat sustains Aceh’s local economy as well as food source.
Another function of coral reefs is to provide protection from waves, and this is most evident in the fact that the coral reefs in Aceh were not significantly damaged by the massive tsunami. However, no natural or man-made structure can stand up to a 9.3 magnitude earthquake. In the uplifting of the ocean bed, tens of hectares of living coral reef were raised above the high tide and killed.
Here are some efforts on the preservation of coral reefs in Aceh.