Coral reefs are thought to be home to the most diverse ecosystems on earth. They help to protect the shore from erosion caused by tropical weather and waves. Marine life relies on the nitrogen and other nutrients that they produce and they help to clean the seas. The World Wide Fund for Nature claims that 25% of the world's coral reefs are already considered damaged beyond repair and another two-thirds are under serious threat. This image shows a tropical reef in the Red Sea.