Why Should We Care About Coral Reefs?

March 1, 2016

Written by Amy Heemsoth

Tonga Coral Education Program Blog (from October 30, 2015)

Our trip has ended and it’s time to make the long journey half way across the world. Looking back, it has been an amazing trip to Tonga. We have collected follow-up survey data for our education program and maybe even more importantly we have strengthened our relationship with partnering local government ministries and NGO’s. I can’t wait to see what the future holds as we move forward.

As we end our time here in Tonga, I would like to reflect on why coral reefs are important. Who better to tell this story than the Tongans themselves.

‘Anaheu Lovely Ma’u, Form 2 Student, Vava’u High School

“Coral reefs are important because they provide medicine for people.”

Mary Vaitaki, Form 6 Student, Saineha High School

“Corals are important because they provide us with resources. Coral reefs provide medicine and jobs. People also receive food from the coral reefs and they need this food to survive. They also protect us from storms and large waves.”

Taani Echevarria, Form 5 student, St. Peter Chanel High School

“Coral reefs are important to our economy. They bring in tourists from around the world to come and snorkel and enjoy our beautiful coral reefs.”

Henele Visesio, Vice Principal, St. Peter Chanel High School

“Coral reefs are very important because it is a habitat for many marine organisms. As part of the ecosystem, coral is very, very important. It is important in terms of the feeding relationships in the tropic food web. Without coral there will be a disruption in the ecosystem.”

Faleaupolu Lomu, Class 6 student, Government Primary School Neiafu

“Firstly, coral reefs provide a home for many types of life. Secondly, they add money to our economy because we get jobs from fishing. It is important for the Tongan people to not destroy coral reefs

Makaleta Lomu, Form 1 and 2 Science Teacher, Government Primary School Neiafu

“As a Tongan, I think that coral reefs are very important. They are important for these reasons. Firstly, we get jobs from fishing. We know that healthy coral reefs help us to get more fish. Also, tourists really like to see and visit coral reefs. It is important to keep reefs healthy because that is one of the main ways we get income – from the tourist industry. Lastly, the marine life needs the coral reefs for their homes. I believe that we should look after and take good care of coral reefs.”

Photos by Amy Heemsoth

From Mangrove Mud to Meaningful Work: Desta’s J.A.M.I.N. Journey

Some students I remember for their grades, their quick answers, or a moment that made the whole class laugh. Others I remember for the way they stepped into the mangroves.

Desta was the kind of student who thrived outdoors. While some students hesitated at the edge of the mud, he walked right in. And when he inevitably got stuck — because everyone does — he didn’t get frustrated. He laughed. Covered in mud, holding mangrove propagules in his hands, he embraced the experience fully.

Even then, it was clear that he was connecting with the environment in a way that went beyond the lesson plan…

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There are certain faces you never forget.

Over the years, hundreds of students have stepped into mangrove forests with us through the Jamaica Awareness of Mangroves in Nature (J.A.M.I.N.) program. I may not always remember every name, but I remember the expressions — the hesitation before stepping into thick mud, the laughter when someone loses a shoe, the look of surprise when they catch that unmistakable sulfur smell rising from the mangrove soil…

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