What is Land Degradation?

Land is a vital resource to humankind, like air and water. It is caused by multiple forces, including extreme weather conditions particularly drought, and human activities that pollute or degrade the quality of soils and land utility negatively affecting food production, livelihoods, and the production and provision of other ecosystem goods and services.

What are Corals?

• Corals are made up of genetically identical organisms called polyps. These polyps have microscopic algae called zooxanthellae living within their tissues.The corals and algae have a mutualistic relationship.
• The coral provides the zooxanthellae with the compounds necessary for photosynthesis. In return, the zooxanthellae supply the coral with organic products of photosynthesis, like carbohydrates, which are utilized by the coral polyps for the synthesis of their calcium carbonate skeletons.In addition to providing corals with essential nutrients, zooxanthellae are responsible for the unique and beautiful colors of corals.
• They are also called the “rainforests of the seas”.

Benefits of coral reef ecosystems

• Coral reefs protect coastlines from storms and erosion, 
• provide jobs for local communities, and offer opportunities for recreation. 
• They also are a source of food and new medicines. 
• Over half a billion people depend on reefs for food, income, and protection. 
• Fishing, diving, and snorkeling on and near reefs add hundreds of millions of dollars to local businesses.

Why in News?

Global Initiative to reduce Land Degradation and Coral Reef program has been launched at G20 Environment Ministers Meet.

Reference:

1. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=1655306
2. https://www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections/marine-life/coral-reef-ecosystems