Page 93 - NAVAYUG (23-24)_Magazine

Coral reef restoration

A coral reef is an under water ecosystem characterised by reef building corals. Reefs are
farmed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. Most coral reefs are
built from stony corals. Whose polyps cluster in groups coral reefs form some of the worlds
most productive ecosystem, providing complex and varied marine habitats that support a wide
range of organisms.
Reefs are home to a variety of animals including fish, seabirds sponges, cnidarians, worms,
crustaceans, mollurks, echinoderms. A few species feed directly on corals while others graze
on algae on the reef. Reef biomass is positively related to species diversity.
The reefs protect the mangroves and sea-grass from strong currents and waves that would
damage them or erode the sediments in which they are rooted, while the mangroves and sea-
grass protect the coral from large influxes of silt, freshwater and pollutants.
Reefs are chronically at risk of an algal encroachment. Overfishing and excess nutrient supply
from onshore can enable algae to out compete and kill the coral.
Coral reefs protect coastal areas by reducing the power of waves hitting the coast and provide
a crucial source of income form millions of people.
While the majority of the world’s reefs are now under threat or even damaged potentially
beyond repair, a new effort to restore coral reefs not only increase coral cover, but they also
bring back important ecosystem functions.
Ines Lange of university of Exeter UK has found that restored coral reefs can grow at the same
speed as a healthy coral reef just four years after coral transplantation. This means that they
provide lots of habitat for marine life and efficiently protect the adjacent island from wave
energy and erosion.

It is high time to understand the value of coral reefs and their protection.
“Save environment - Save Earth”.
Mrs. A. Vishali

MOTHER INDIA

O’ adorable mother of incredible India, Salutations to you !
O’ compassionate mother of passionate patriots, Salutations to you !
O’ divine mother of srene saints, Salutations to you !
O’ loving mother of faithful farmers, Salutations to you !
O’ protective mother of selfless soldiers, Salutations to you !
O’ bestowing mother of infinite children, Salutations to you !
O’ wise mother of supreme scientists, Salutations to you !
O’ powerful mother of wonderful women, Salutations to you !
O’ peaceful mother of hetrogeneous people, Salutations to you !
O’ auspicious mother of all the rivers, we protect you from pollution.
O’ serene mother of enchanting nature, we save you from destruction.
O’ loving mother of diverse children, we never fight with each other.
O’ intimite mother of wonderful creation, we protect the creation with love and care.
O’ fragrant mother of this fertile land, we never do that is wrong.
O’ majestic mother of magnanimous mountains, we stand straight and strong.
O’ Beautiful mother of all the sweet smelling flowers, we spread the fragrance of oneness.
O’ sweet mother of all the tasty fruits, we share the sweetness of forgiveness.
O’ loving mother of great India, together we all promise you
We play in your lap with joy and do everything.
That is good for our country.
Mrs. K. Usha Gouri

91 ... The Vista | 2023-24