In tropical destinations like the Maldives, Bahamas, and Thailand, tourism often faces scrutiny for its effect on coral reefs.

Many critics argue that developing tourism in these pristine locations will inevitably lead to ecological degradation.

However, it’s important to note that global climate events have already caused severe damage to coral reefs.

The Coral Vita, a Bahamas-based company, has been vocal about the pressing issues facing coral ecosystems.

According to Coral Vita’s data, half of the world’s coral reefs have already perished, and over 90% are expected to be gone by 2050 due to climate change and other environmental factors.

The Causes of Coral Degradation

While tourism is often blamed for the destruction of coral reefs, it’s important to recognize that other factors have played a much more significant role in their decline. 

Climate change, overfishing, and pollution have been identified as the top three culprits responsible for coral degradation. 

Hurricane Dorian and the spread of diseases like stony coral tissue loss have devastated the reefs in the Bahamas, wiping out 80% of the region’s coral.

These issues are far more related to broader environmental and climate change challenges than the direct impact of tourism.

However, the question remains whether tourism, when managed properly, can serve as a positive force for conservation, or whether the best approach is to leave coral reefs untouched without any economic incentives for their protection.

The Role of Assisted Evolution in Coral Restoration

Johanna Leonhardt, the lead scientist at the Soneva Foundation’s Coral Restoration Programme, emphasizes that inaction is not an option.

She believes that if the current trajectory of climate change continues, only the most resilient coral reefs will survive.

To combat this, the Soneva Foundation advocates for assisted evolution, which involves using human intervention techniques like selective breeding, genetic modification, and microbiome manipulation to help corals withstand climate stressors such as rising ocean temperatures and acidification.

Leonhardt notes that restoring reefs isn’t just about “planting pretty corals” but about planting species with specific ecological functions that can help build a more resilient ecosystem.

Scaling Coral Restoration Efforts Globally

The need for a global effort to restore coral reefs is becoming increasingly urgent, and the tourism industry must play a role in scaling these efforts.

In early 2025, the Soneva Foundation hosted a dialogue on coral restoration, bringing together scientists, finance experts, and policymakers to discuss scalable solutions.

A joint statement from the event emphasized that while coral planting has seen some successes, current restoration efforts are far too labor-intensive to scale effectively.

Most coral reefs span tens of thousands of square miles, but restoration projects have only managed to cover a fraction of that area.

One of the key takeaways was that successful reef regeneration goes beyond planting coral.

It requires stronger policies, pollution control, and better coastal management.

Financial support for these projects must be inclusive, involving local communities and avoiding interventions that don’t take local needs into account.

Combining cutting-edge scientific research with traditional knowledge is essential for creating sustainable, long-term solutions for reef protection.

The Rise of Conservation-Based Tourism

As travelers become more environmentally conscious, the tourism industry has started to embrace conservation-based tourism, a model that integrates sustainable practices and environmental protection.

By prioritizing wildlife preservation, marine protection, and community well-being, conservation-based tourism ensures that tourism revenue is directly used to support environmental efforts, such as coral reef restoration.

Choosing hotels or resorts actively involved in reef conservation sends a clear message about the demand for responsible tourism. Resorts investing in coral restoration, marine protection, and other sustainable practices demonstrate that tourism can thrive alongside conservation.

In contrast, supporting businesses that ignore their environmental responsibilities reinforces the status quo and hampers progress.

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