Introduction Coral reefs, often referred to as the “rainforests of the sea,” are among the most biologically diverse and productive ecosystems on Earth. They provide shelter, food, and breeding grounds for nearly one-quarter of all marine species, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor. Beyond biodiversity, coral ecosystems contribute to human societies by…
Introduction Desertification is one of the most pressing environmental challenges of the 21st century. Defined as the process of land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas resulting from various factors, including climatic variations and human activities, it threatens the sustainability of ecosystems and livelihoods. Traditionally, desertification was understood as the “expansion of deserts”…
Introduction The Indian Ocean, the third-largest ocean in the world, is a critical resource for many countries bordering its vast expanse. It provides significant ecological, economic, and strategic benefits. The exploitation of resources from the Indian Ocean, including fishing, oil and gas extraction, deep-sea mining, and shipping activities, has led to various ecological problems. These…