Coral Reef Dive Buddies

Leisure Pro has partnered with the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) in a joint effort to raise awareness about the dire state of the world's coral reefs. CORAL's tireless work to preserve our diminishing reefs is exemplary, yet they cannot do it alone. Leisure Pro is proud to join them in their mission, and we are dedicated to bringing their message to as many people as possible. Coinciding with the "International Year of the Reef 2008," now is the perfect time to increase public awareness of this cause.

Coral reefs cover less than 1 percent of the ocean floor, but support an estimated 25 percent of all marine fish species and serve as natural barriers against tsunamis, hurricanes, and other damaging storms. Regrettably, more than 25 percent of the planet's reefs have been lost in the past thirty years. And scientists predict that we may lose another 30 percent within the next three decades unless we take steps to change our activities now.

Many people aren't even aware that our coral reefs are threatened because the evidence is hidden from view underwater. To witness the situation firsthand, you must don a wet suit and dive down to the reefs where the devastation is visible. However, ignorance, in this case, is not bliss. If we ignore the situation, the ramifications may be catastrophic – even on land.

CORAL builds grassroots partnerships among local community members, marine recreation operators, and government leaders to create well-managed marine protected areas that build reef resilience at the local level. Its Coral Reef Sustainable Destination (CRSD) approach creates capacity for conservation from the ground up, tying coral reef protection to increased opportunities for local residents.

We hope you will join CORAL and Leisure Pro in our fight to preserve coral reefs. Please make a donation today. Your contribution makes a major difference in the state of our current and future world.