by Magenta Rose Designs
Coral reefs are spectacular undersea ecosystems that are home to thousands of different plant and animal species. There has been a devastating trend of displaying coral and starfish as interior design accessories. Starfish and coral decorations are mummified remains of living animals, not shells. They are killed specifically for the tourist trade and crafts/home decor. However, Designer Kelly Hoppen MBE of England only sells Coral decorations made of resin for this reason.It's awesome to see the beautiful style that Kelly creates which is also kind to nature! Apart from this immense biological diversity, coral reefs are also of high value for fisheries, coastal protection and nature-based tourism. But these values are in serious danger of being lost. Scientists estimate that 19% of reefs have already been destroyed. The integrity of our “rain forests of the sea” is threatened by human activities including fishing, global warming and pollution. Trade in corals and fishes is stripping tropical reefs of their diversity but worst of all is destructive fishing with bottom trawl nets, dynamite and cyanide. World Ocean Day is an awesome time to raise awareness and I hope my design will be used to help marine biodiversity! It's my dream to see this design on a shoe for Bucketfeet!