News
August 22, 2025
'Special and worth protecting': Policy coordinator explains importance of coral reef protections
In addition to generating millions in revenue from tourism, Guam's coral reefs protect the island's people and property from flooding, according to Olivia Bañez, a coral reef policy and communications coordinator with the Guam Coral Reef Initiative.
Guam's vibrant coral reefs are more than just a pretty picture; they're a vital lifeline for the island and its people, according to Olivia Bañez, a coral reef policy and communications coordinator with the Guam Coral Reef Initiative. Beyond the stunning beauty that attracts tourists from across the globe, generating millions in revenue, these underwater ecosystems play a critical role in protecting Guam from the harsh realities of coastal flooding.
Bañez emphasizes the multifaceted importance of these often-overlooked natural barriers. While their economic contribution through tourism is undeniable, their function as natural coastal defense systems is equally crucial, especially in the face of rising sea levels and increasingly intense storms.
Coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing the energy of incoming waves and significantly reducing the impact of storm surges. This natural buffer protects coastal communities, homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the devastating effects of flooding and erosion. Without healthy coral reefs, Guam would be far more vulnerable to the destructive forces of the ocean.
The Guam Coral Reef Initiative, where Bañez works, is dedicated to safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems. Their work involves a range of activities, from monitoring reef health and implementing conservation strategies to educating the public about the importance of coral reef protection.
Bañez’s role as a policy and communications coordinator highlights the importance of both enacting effective policies to protect the reefs and communicating their significance to the broader community. Raising awareness about the vital services coral reefs provide is key to fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices that minimize human impact on these fragile environments.
The health of Guam's coral reefs is directly linked to the island's overall well-being. Protecting them isn't just an environmental imperative; it's an economic necessity and a critical strategy for ensuring the safety and resilience of Guam's communities in the face of a changing climate. As Bañez eloquently puts it, Guam's coral reefs are "special and worth protecting," a sentiment that underscores the urgent need for continued conservation efforts.
Bañez emphasizes the multifaceted importance of these often-overlooked natural barriers. While their economic contribution through tourism is undeniable, their function as natural coastal defense systems is equally crucial, especially in the face of rising sea levels and increasingly intense storms.
Coral reefs act as natural breakwaters, absorbing the energy of incoming waves and significantly reducing the impact of storm surges. This natural buffer protects coastal communities, homes, businesses, and infrastructure from the devastating effects of flooding and erosion. Without healthy coral reefs, Guam would be far more vulnerable to the destructive forces of the ocean.
The Guam Coral Reef Initiative, where Bañez works, is dedicated to safeguarding these invaluable ecosystems. Their work involves a range of activities, from monitoring reef health and implementing conservation strategies to educating the public about the importance of coral reef protection.
Bañez’s role as a policy and communications coordinator highlights the importance of both enacting effective policies to protect the reefs and communicating their significance to the broader community. Raising awareness about the vital services coral reefs provide is key to fostering a sense of responsibility and encouraging sustainable practices that minimize human impact on these fragile environments.
The health of Guam's coral reefs is directly linked to the island's overall well-being. Protecting them isn't just an environmental imperative; it's an economic necessity and a critical strategy for ensuring the safety and resilience of Guam's communities in the face of a changing climate. As Bañez eloquently puts it, Guam's coral reefs are "special and worth protecting," a sentiment that underscores the urgent need for continued conservation efforts.
Category:
Politics