Why do people care about coral reefs? Why does their damage cause such concern and outrage? What drives people to go to great lengths to protect and restore them?
Of course, it’s partly because of their ecological importance and economic value —but it’s also because they are beautiful. Healthy coral reefs are among the most visually spectacular ecosystems on the planet—and this beauty is far from superficial. It underpins cultural heritage value, supports tourism industries, encourages ocean stewardship and deepens people’s emotional connections to the sea.
But how can such beauty be measured? And when it is destroyed, can it be rebuilt?