(Photo courtesy of National Day Calendar.)
World Reef Awareness Day is commemorated every first day of June to remind consumers, businesses, and organizations of the delicate ecosystem of the ocean’s coral reefs. The awareness day signifies uniting people, including the general public, influencers, and leaders, to effect change through active engagement and education.
The awareness day started in 2019, and has been an ongoing call to action to this year 2025. With the impact of climate change, including rising sea temperatures, ocean acidification, habitat loss, and more, coral reefs bear the brunt. The mentioned changes disrupt the balance of coral reef ecosystems.
According to the Department of Natural Resources (DENR), coral reefs are composed of individual polyps that display bone-like structures, forming living communities of colonial organisms. They are a shelter to thousands of organisms, hence their importance.
Coral reefs not only support marine life and biodiversity. However, in hindsight, they also sustain millions of people globally, protect coastlines, and supply food.
Some of the most vibrant coral reefs in the world can be found in the Philippines; however, they are in peril. Therefore, beyond every June 1st, their existence must be protected and preserved.
