Coral reefs are one of the most diverse and valuable ecosystems on earth. The coral reefs support more species per unit area than any other marine environment. Now, the importance of coral reefs is as follows -
This coral reef biodiversity is considered a key to finding new medicines for the 21st Century. Many drugs are now developed from coral reefs for the cures of cancer, arthritis, bacterial infection, viruses, and heart diseases. Healthy coral reefs support commercial and subsistence fisheries as well as jobs and business through tourism and recreation. They protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities. They are also a good source of medicine. They generate half of the Earth's oxygen and absorb nearly one-third of the carbon dioxide generated from fossil fuels.