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Protection - Reefs shelter land from harsh ocean storms and floods.
Social
Business – decorative objects such as jewellery can be made from the coral. It is also source of lime for cement for the building trade.
Economic
Education and research - Reefs can be visited easily to learn about marine life.
Environmental
Health - Coral reefs have been used in the treatment of cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases, ulcers, and other ailments.
Social
Food - At least 500 million people rely on coral reefs for food, coastal protection, and livelihoods
Social
Fishing - Although coral reefs cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they are home to 25% of all marine fish species.
Economic
Climate Change - Corals remove and recycle carbon dioxide. Excessive amounts of this gas contribute to Climate change.
Environmental
Trade - reefs supply tropical fish, sea horses and ‘plants’ for aquariums.
Economic
