HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--More than 25 percent of all marine species are supported by coral reefs. They provide for the lives and livelihoods of people throughout the world, yet their future is uncertain. Mary Kay, a global sustainability advocate, celebrates World Reef Day by supporting coral reef protection and restoration initiatives, including the Nature Conservancy�s Super Reefs project.

Coral reefs are magnificent structures with contributions to oceans that are unmatched. They not only provide food and habitats for many species, but they are living ramparts that actively protect our coastlines from waves and wave energy. Healthy reefs can reduce wave energy by up to 97%. Thus, they serve as living breakwaters, protecting tens of thousands of kilometers of coastline from seasonal flooding and erosion.

Despite their importance to our ecosystem, reefs are being degraded due to pollution, destructive fishing practices, and climate change. Rising ocean temperatures threaten their existence and make extinction a real possibility.

�The window of opportunity to save the world�s coral reefs is closing,� said Dr. Lizzie Mcleod, Global Reef Systems Lead at The Nature Conservancy. �We must act now to save these vital habitats.�

Hope is here. Super Reefs are resilient and can survive the warmer ocean waters because of their ability to adapt to higher temperatures. Some of these resilient reefs are also naturally located in areas protected from heat. Their potential to survive climate change gives hope for the future, especially in Asia Pacific where tropical waters are filled with at least 500 species of reef-building corals. The Nature Conservancy�s Super Reef team unites experts in ocean science and conservation to grow a global network of super reefs through genetic engineering, reef restoration, and coral farming.

Coral reefs can still be saved, but real action must take place to ensure their survival. The first step is to identify and protect Super Reefs. Once protected, they can breed strong larvae and create a new generation of resilient corals. With the continuing work and support of Mary Kay, coral reefs still have a chance.

About The Nature Conservancy

The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world�s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. Working in 79 countries and territories, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit www.nature.org or follow @nature_press on Twitter.

About Mary Kay

One of the original glass ceiling breakers, Mary Kay Ash founded her dream beauty company in 1963 with one goal: enriching women�s lives. That dream has blossomed into a multibillion-dollar company with millions of independent sales force members in nearly 40 countries. As an entrepreneurship development company, Mary Kay is committed to empowering women on their journey through education, mentorship, advocacy, networking, and innovation. Mary Kay is dedicated to investing in the science behind beauty and manufacturing cutting-edge skincare, color cosmetics, nutritional supplements, and fragrances. Mary Kay believes in enriching lives today for a sustainable tomorrow, partnering with organizations from around the world focusing on promoting business excellence, supporting cancer research, advancing gender equality, protecting survivors from domestic abuse, beautifying our communities, and encouraging children to follow their dreams. Learn more at marykayglobal.com, find us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or follow us on Twitter.

Contacts

Mary Kay Inc. Corporate Communications

marykay.com/newsroom

972.687.5332 or [email protected]