Coral reefs are one of the world's most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems. They provide abundant ecological goods and services and are central to the socioeconomic and cultural welfare of coastal and island communities — throughout tropical and subtropical ocean countries — by contributing billions of dollars to the local and global economies when combined with tourism and recreation. Coral reefs also play a vital role in the protection of shorelines, fisheries, biodiversity and unique ecosystems. Building magnificent reefs, tiny coral polyps have developed an incredible ability to calcify and are the most prolific mineralizers on the planet. They form immense structures such as the Great Barrier Reef, which is a world heritage site. And in doing so, they make more minerals than any other organism and have adapted specialized structures that are well worth imitating.

Chandwani, G., & Chandwani, I. (2022, February 1). Future of coral reefs in the time of climate change. The Manila Times, pp. A5, A6.