Coral reefs are amongst the most valuable ecosystems on earth because of their immense biological diversity, the provision of living resources such as fish and services including tourism returns and coastal protection, worth about $375 billion each year. 

Although they occupy less than one quarter of one percent of the marine environment, coral reefs are home to more than a quarter of all known marine fish species.  However, an estimated 58% of the world's reefs are potentially threatened by human activities including coastal development, tourism pressure, destructive fishing practices, marine pollution and runoff from inland deforestation. Two thirds of the world's coral reefs are believed to be exploited unsustainably. They are also at high risk of damage from global climate change, especially sea surface temperature rises, which leads to coral bleaching and mortality.

The MCS Coral Reef Programme aims to promote sensitive tourism and sustainable trade for coral reef resources as well as protection for these precious habitats. The programme includes the production of the Coral Code to promote responsible diving and buying practices amongst tourists visiting reefs; the Responsible Marine Aquarist Handbook with guidance on which tropical fish are harvested sustainably and which to avoid buying and the establishment of a marine park in Semporna, Borneo. 

With global warming threatening many coral reefs, it is even more important that other human pressures are reduced and the MCS Coral Reef Programme promotes awareness and individual responsibility amongst a wide audience as well as working with local communities around the world to protect their coral reefs.