Resilient through as many as five mass extinctions, corals are among the oldest organisms on Earth. They provide habitat and shelter for countless species, supporting around 25% of marine life. They also help dissipate wave energy and reduce coastal erosion. Although they may look like plants or rocks, corals are soft-bodied animals (polyps). Today, however, their survival is under threat, driven by climate change and human activities.

Over recent decades, around 50% of the world’s coral reefs have been destroyed or severely degraded, and the same is now happening in the Mediterranean Sea—a cradle of remarkable, yet still little-known coral species. The loss of these fragile organisms will not stop unless urgent, effective action is taken to protect them. To help secure their conservation, the Marevivo Foundation launched “MedCoral Guardians”, a programme dedicated to safeguarding Mediterranean corals, aiming to build public awareness through outreach and research activities that also engage students and scuba divers.