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By
 My speech
Today, I am here to speak up about the beautiful
and breathtaking number one tourist attraction
that is slowly dying and what nature of benefits we
all are losing. The Great Barrier Reef is known as
one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The
Great Barrier Reef is also known for being the
world’s largest coral reef system. Its shallow seas
and coral stretches for more than 2600 Kilometres
of the coast of Queensland, Australia and
encompasses more than 900 islands. The reef is so
big, in fact, that it can actually be seen from space!
Seeing as it is a coral reef, you may have guessed it
is made of coral. But, did you know that corals are
living creatures? Corals are marine invertebrates
that actually live together to form coral reefs. In
other words, the Great Barrier Reef is even more
impressive as it is the largest structure to be made
up of living things. However, you may know that
there are threats to the reef. So, why is this
something we should worry about? And why is the
Great Barrier Reef so important?
Believe it or not, The Great Barrier Reef is actually an
ecosystem for many sea creatures. In other words, this is
where they live. More than 3000 species are known from
the Great Barrier Reef. This group includes Clams,
Oysters, Squid, Octopus, Cuttlefish, Crustaceans, Sea
Turtles, Whales, Dolphins, Clown-fish and many more
amazing ones. The signature group of the Great Barrier
Reef with more than 450 species known. Around 40
species recorded along the Great Barrier Reef. The reef
plays an important role in the lives of these animals, and
without it, they would not have a habitat.

Fascinatingly I would like to say, the Great Barrier Reef,

and other coral reefs, actually serve as a form of
protection for the coastline and surrounding communities.
The Great Barrier Reef, due to its size, helps to absorb
the shock from waves and storms in the ocean. Simply
put, it’s kind of a short wall that prevents the waves
from coming to the coastline at full force. Without the
reef, the surrounding communities would likely witness a
lot more natural disasters and damage from the ocean.
Which apparently means that coast of Queensland is one
safest places from natural disasters.

 Besides the protection, the reef actually serves to help

purify the water and air. This is because corals help to
filter out the sediment in the ocean through their feeding
process. As a result, the water around them is much
cleaner. Similarly, algae often grows on corals. Much like
other plants, algae get their nutrients from a process that
uses carbon dioxide. In other words, the algae absorb
carbon dioxide from the air. Further, as you may know,
carbon dioxide contributes to climate change. So, the reef
actually helps to slow this process.

Likewise, the reef certainly attracts thousands of tourists

each year. This means more people visit Australia and
support the businesses, therefore contributing to
Australia’s economy. The Great Barrier Reef is a popular
tourist destination, which attracts two million visitors per
year, generating more than six billion dollars in commercial
currency. The Great Barrier Reef, which is renowned for
its effective eco-friendly tourist strategies. It helps
tourists get educated about the great Barrier reef and
its importance of healthy ecosystems and how to manage
and maintain them through reducing biological impact, is
critical to the health and natural resources of the Great
Barrier Reef.
Though at first glance it may just look like a pretty
structure in the sea, it is clear the Great Barrier
Reef is an essential part of many facets of life.
Unfortunately, climate change and other threats
pose dangerous risks to the reef. Without it, many
communities and lives will suffer. The Great Barrier
Reef is far more than a holiday destination. It has
great cultural and historical significance to
Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
peoples, who have lived harmoniously with the Reef
for centuries. Protecting the Reef will ensure it can
be enjoyed for centuries to come.