Our terrestrial and marine ecosystems form a delicate, interdependent and interconnected balance that has taken millions of years to evolve. Today, uncontrolled human activity, urbanization, and poor planning are degrading beaches, wetlands, coral reefs, and forests, weakening the natural systems that sustain biodiversity, ecological proceses and human well-being.

 

Climate change is intensifying these pressures. Rising greenhouse gases are driving stronger storms, prolonged droughts, heat waves, sea level rise, ocean acidification, and wildfires. These threats, combined with habitat loss and pollution, place coastal and marine ecosystems—and the communities that depend on them—at growing risk.

 

Without urgent collaborative action, we risk losing the natural protection and services these ecosystems provide. Protecting and restoring them is essential to ensuring resilience, sustainability, and security for present and future generations.

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KEY ISSUES

 

• Habitat Loss – Wetlands, coral reefs, dunes, and forests are rapidly degrading due to urbanization and poor planning. 

 

• Climate Change – Rising greenhouse gases drive stronger rainstorms, droughts, heat waves,  and shifting weather patterns.

 

• Sea Level Rise – Accelerates beach erosion, increases flooding, and threatens coastal communities and infrastructure.

 

• Pollutant--Laden Runoff – Agricultural and urban runoff fuels harmful algal blooms, contaminates waters, and weakens ecosystems.

 

• Wildfires – Intensified by drought and climate change, they damage upland forests and send toxic runoff into coastal waters.

 

• Ocean Acidification – Weakens marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity and food security.

 

• Infrastructure Vulnerability – Coastal aquifers, stormwater systems, and built structures are unprepared for future sea-level and climate scenarios.