What is the Coral Triangle and why is it important?

The Coral Triangle is a 5.7 million sq. km marine ecosystem in Southeast Asia that is home to more than three-quarters of the world's coral species, a third of all reef fish, and six of the seven marine turtle species. It sustains the food security and livelihoods of over 120 million people.

What threats are facing the Coral Triangle?

The Coral Triangle is facing mounting dangers, including growing carbon emissions, destructive fishing, pollution, and the accelerating effects of climate change, all of which are driving coral bleaching, habitat loss, and species decline.

How is the Philippines addressing the crisis in the Coral Triangle?

The Philippines is preparing to host Southeast Asia's first coral larvae cryobank, a facility that will freeze and preserve the "seeds" of corals to help restore damaged reefs. This is part of a wider regional initiative to build long-term resilience for the Coral Triangle.

Home / Environment / Coral Triangle's Fragile Future: Cryobanks Offer Hope for Endangered Reefs

Coral Triangle's Fragile Future: Cryobanks Offer Hope for Endangered Reefs

6 Oct

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Summary

Coral Triangle, world's richest marine ecosystem, faces grave threats
Philippines to host Southeast Asia's first coral larvae cryobank
Cryopreservation technique uses rapid freezing to preserve coral larvae

Coral Triangle's Fragile Future: Cryobanks Offer Hope for Endangered Reefs

The Coral Triangle, a vast marine ecosystem spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands, and Timor-Leste, is facing mounting dangers. As of 2025, the planet has lost 14% of its coral reefs since 2009, and scientists warn that without drastic action, 70-90% of live coral cover could be lost by 2050.

In a proactive move, the Philippines is preparing to host Southeast Asia's first coral larvae cryobank. This facility, set up by the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute, will freeze and preserve the small, free-swimming "seeds" of corals at extremely low temperatures. These preserved larvae can later be used to revive damaged reefs or for research, protecting the genetic diversity that might otherwise be lost.

The cryobank is part of a wider regional initiative linking research institutions across the Coral Triangle, including in Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand. Led by experts from Taiwan's National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium and the National Dong Hwa University, the project aims to build long-term resilience for this threatened marine ecosystem. By establishing a network of cryobanks, the scientists hope to safeguard the Coral Triangle's rich biodiversity and support the coastal communities that depend on its resources.

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