Can't wait to go on your planned beach holiday this summer? In this blog post, we'll give you 5 travel tips on how you can not only make your beach holiday more sustainable, but also protect corals in the process. But before we give you 5 simple tips on how to travel climate-friendly this summer, the first question is: What does coral protection have to do with climate change anyway?
CORALS ARE THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Anyone who has ever experienced a beach holiday in an area with coral reefs knows that corals are breathtakingly beautiful. The special shapes and brilliant colours can leave a diver speechless. In addition to their stunning beauty, corals - like trees - are extremely useful CO2 binders - one of the main contributors to global warming. Corals therefore have the ability to keep the world's climate stable. The problem, however, is that coral reefs are threatened with extinction due to warming and pollution of the oceans - accelerating global warming. Paying attention to coral reefs when travelling is therefore a way to act in a more climate-friendly way.
That's why we're giving you five tips on how you can take care of corals on your next beach holiday:
TIP 1: REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
One of the reasons corals are damaged is pollution of the oceans. Preparing carefully before a trip can help reduce waste. For example, instead of buying food in disposable packaging or water in plastic bottles, you can take an aluminium bottle or glass bottle with you on holiday. Lunch boxes can also help to get less food in plastic packaging. However, if the water quality in the travel destination is not drinkable and you therefore have to rely on buying water bottles, it is advisable to look for recyclable reusable bottles or water in glass bottles. Avoiding packaging waste as much as possible should be strived for in every consumption in order to be protective of corals. In summary, reuse and recycle packaging can reduce waste and protect corals from polluted oceans.
TIP 2: ONLY FOOTPRINTS SHOULD BE LEFT ON THE BEACH
In connection with tip 1, it is important not to pollute the beach. This is because dirt on the beach often ends up in the water and thus pollutes the oceans. As is already known, this rubbish can then be harmful to corals. That's why a mindful approach to the beach is desirable. After spending the day at the beach, the only thing you leave behind should be footprints in the sand and a nice memory. Leaving rubbish on the beach is therefore an absolute no-go!
TIP 3: SUPPORT LOCAL RESIDENTS
Often, local people have generations of valuable knowledge about the ecosystems they live in. This is exactly why coral conservation non-profits like Coral Reef Alliance work not only with scientists, but also with local people. By visiting local restaurants and shops on holiday instead of big franchises, you support the local economy. A functioning economy allows locals to stay in their hometowns. Moreover, meeting locals can often be very enriching to find out the real insider tips in the holiday destination.
TIP 4: TAKE ONLY PHOTOS
Yes, it is tempting to take home the most beautiful shell from the beach as a souvenir. But if too much sand, shells and other natural finds are removed from the beach, natural ecosystems can be disturbed. Animals that are important for the balance of the ecosystem no longer find safe shelter and are eaten in excess. Others reproduce too quickly. To maintain the balance in ecosystems, it is important to leave the beach as you found it. Therefore, when travelling to protect corals, only take photos of the most beautiful finds and do not take them home with you.
TIP 5: MINDFULNESS IS THE TRAVEL MOTTO
Of course it is exciting to explore the destination. Trying out sports, diving, surfing or just walking around is what makes a summer holiday so memorable. That's all well and good. But as a traveller, you should always be aware that you should be mindful and careful with the foreign environment. That is why it is so important to be curious, respectful and mindful of the locals, the culture and the environment. Mindfulness is the travel motto.
CLIMATE-FRIENDLY TRAVEL IS NOT ENOUGH FOR YOU?
Maybe you have heard about the MASCHALINA CORAL REEF ALLIANCE CHARITY. We are offering three limited edition jewellery sets of colourful earrings and a bracelet at a discounted price. Until the end of September, we will donate 5% of the net sales of this charity jewellery set to the aid organisation CORAL REEF ALLIANCE. CORAL REEF ALLIANCE works with marine biologists and local specialists to keep corals healthy and protect them from extinction. We want future generations to draw inspiration from the magical beauty of colourful coral reefs.
written by Tatjana Borodin