The causes of coral reef collapse - and how to save our 'rainforests of the sea'

There are few who would deny the sheer beauty of our coral reefs.

A living kaleidoscope of colours, shapes and textures that form inspiring underwater gardens and landscapes.

A magical world of over 800 species of reef-building corals hidden beneath the waves, home to an estimated 32 per cent of all named marine species, excluding microbes and fungi.

This level of diversity is particularly impressive given that reefs cover less than 0.1 per cent of the surface area of the ocean. Coral reefs are rich in symbiotic relationships among species, honed by millions of years of evolution.

These ‘rainforests of the sea’ play a vital role in our existence above water. They support the lives of up to one billion people and provide ecosystem services valued at $9.9 trillion [£7.3 trillion] annually through fisheries, tourism and coastal protection.

That is why protecting and restoring coral reefs is not only a moral imperative, but also a smart economic choice. Investment in coral reef-positive businesses has the potential for phenomenal returns for impact investors. It is one where the returns far outweigh the costs, while inaction carries a steep price.