This 2021-2030 is the United Nation Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, in short The Ocean Decade. There is scientific evidence that the ocean holds the key to an equitable and sustainable planet and many examples around the world showcase the impressive ability of the ocean to help heal the planet – if given the chance and a little bit of human support. One that we find especially noteworthy, is the impact of coral reefs on ocean health. Coral reefs provide an important ecosystem for life underwater, sometimes referred to as the ‘rainforests of the sea’. They protect coastlines from erosion caused by waves and storms, they sink carbon and nitrogen and help recycle nutrients. The tiny animals that give rise to reefs are even offering hope for new drugs to treat cancer and other diseases. In other words, coral reefs are so much more than just colorful underwater scenery.

Sadly, every one of the world’s reefs could bleach by the end of the century, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has warned. Despite their importance, warming waters, pollution, ocean acidification, overfishing, and physical destruction are killing coral reefs around the world. To do something about that, several initiatives have made it their mission to bring coral reefs back to life. Whether it is the creation of marine protected areas, more sustainable fishing practices or underwater coral nursery to restore reefs by carefully growing baby corals and planting them back out in the wild (learn more in this National Geographic article). At GAIA Insights, we have recently adopted a coral – and we intend to do more of that with your help!

Now, how can you help?

By creating coral artwork! Whether you knit, draw or replicate corals any other way – we invite you to take a photo of your creative coral artwork and share it! For every image you upload to GAIA Insights’ social media channels by December 27th, using the hashtag #ColorTheOcean, we will increase our contribution to selected charities – because we care about People, Planet and Purpose.

These three pillars have been guiding GAIA Insights from its inception, and giving back is in our DNA. Ever since our company was established in 2012, we have made sure that we support causes that share our desire to make the world a better place. For over a decade we have been donating to organizations with similar intentions at heart. This year’s donation will be split across Coral Gardeners, GAIA Gives, PLAN International, SOS Children’s Villages,The Ocean Cleanup, WeForest and the World Wildlife Fund. Together, we can help save the ocean.