'We need to rethink our role on planet if corals cannot be saved'

Coral Reefs, also known as "the rain forests of the seas", represent the diverse underwater ecosystems. Scientists estimate that they support the existence about 25 per cent of all marine species. But worldwide, coral reefs themselves face existential threat due to rising ocean temperatures and climate change events. A UN-backed report released this week recommended that the Great Barrier Reef, world's largest coral reef system on Australian coast, must be added to the list of heritage sites that are "in danger". Vidhi Bubna, founder of Coral Warriors — India's first-ever diving grant — told WION that Indian do not get the opportunities to go underwater in order to realise the harsh reality of what's happening to the coral reefs and aquatic life that they support. Every year, Vidhi-led 'Coral Warriors' sponsors a number of young Indians to go into the oceans and come back to spearhead a specific climate change-related awareness programme for a year.