Coastal protection http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/files/2015/05/CoastalProtection_InfoGraph_HI.jpg

Healthy coral reefs are able to mitigate strong currents and waves from hurricanes or storms. Complex reef structures create friction which breaks the wave and thus dissipating the wave energy. Therefore, coral reefs buffer the coasts from severe damage and protect coastal assets as well as the communities.

As mentioned, the Coral Triangle houses 75% of the world’s mangrove. Like coral reefs, mangroves protects vulnerable communities from the destructive forces of ocean waves. Mangroves safeguard coastal areas and shorelines from rising sea levels and especially, coastal erosion. For instance, in the 2014 Tsunami, areas without mangrove coverage suffered greater damage. Yet, such “hidden” benefit is often overlooked because the value of coastal protection is not easily visible or recognized by coastal communities and governmental agencies.

In the face of future climate change, the intensity and frequency of storms, hurricanes and typhoons are expected to increase. Therefore, the ecosystems of mangroves and coral reefs are crucial to coastal areas and communities.