ONE REEF AT A TIME - FINALIST
MADAGASCAR

Coral reefs in shallow tropical seas around the world are in peril. A tenth are dead and 60 per cent are under threat. Climate change is one cause, but it's very far from the only one. A great deal can be done locally to improve the living reefs. chances of survival, not least by improving coastal communities survival rates. Over-fishing, offshore pollution, coral mining and badly managed tourism - they can all be tackled locally. Blue Ventures offers researchers and volunteers the chance to work with local communities to protect the reefs using sustainable marine conservation areas.

Their project in Madagascar - home to both the world's fourth largest coral reef and a rejuvenated octopus fishing industry - is working with local communities to make sustainable livelihoods a reality.