Land-based Pollution
Photo by Ryan Pernofski
-
What is a Riparian Zone?
A riparian zone is the area of land alongside rivers, streams, and other freshwater systems where water and land meet. These spaces are often lined with native vegetation, including trees, shrubs, grasses, and wetlands that help stabilize soil and support biodiversity. Riparian zones may seem far removed from coral reefs, but they are deeply connected.…
-
Local Leadership, Lasting Impact Across the Western Caribbean
Across the Western Caribbean, coral reefs are shaped by local leadership as much as environmental conditions. In 2025, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) worked closely with communities, governments, and partners to reduce pollution, strengthen reef protection, and support the enabling conditions reefs need to withstand climate change. From Honduras to Belize and Mexico, this work…
-
Want to Save Coral Reefs? 4 Proven Strategies That Actually Work
The ripple effects of coral reefs reach nearly every coastline and community on the planet. Reefs support the seafood we eat, protect homes from storms, and provide ingredients for lifesaving medicines. But they’re in crisis. Half have already been lost, and nearly all could disappear by 2050 if we don’t intentionally act now. The good…
-
The Hawai‘i Wastewater Alliance United for Clean Water
The Hawai‘i’ wastewater crisis has long posed a serious threat to our coral reefs, coastal ecosystems, and community health. But in the past year, thanks to focused coordination, strategic advocacy, and deep relationship-building, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) and partners helped turn the page on fragmented efforts and launched a new, united front. In partnership…
-
Turning the Tide on Water Pollution in the Mesoamerican Reef
At the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL), we believe healthy coral reefs start on land. Our work on water quality across the Mesoamerican Reef (MAR) region—spanning Belize, Honduras, and Mexico—shows how science, community collaboration, and practical solutions can protect these ecosystems and the communities that rely on them. Why Water Quality Matters for Coral Reefs Clean…
-
How Pollution Threatens Coral Reefs and What We Can Do About It
Coral reefs are powerful, resilient ecosystems supporting 25% of all marine list and over a billion people globally. But these ecosystems are fragile and pollution is one of the most immediate threats they face. While climate change grabs headlines (and is still very important), local pollution is doing some serious damage in weakening coral defenses…