SUN CARE 19
Zinc oxide for a positive reef impact
n Jody Jourden, Jeroen van den Bosch, Thibault Moraine – EverCare, US
Coral reefs make up some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. Over half a billion people benefit from coral reefs as a source of food supply, as coastal barrier for habitat and agriculture, and through tourism.1
Covering
less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, coral reef ecosystems provide shelter, feeding areas and nurseries to support roughly 25% of all marine fish species. Beyond housing some of nature’s most colorfully abundant species that support a vibrant tourism economy, coral reefs are home to species that offer pharmaceuticals to treat illness and disease. Given that bioprospecting is relatively new for marine life, the full potential of treatments from these ecosystems has yet to be realized. Additionally, coral reefs play a key role in protecting coastal land and beaches by minimizing shoreline erosion. Their structures act as natural breakwaters to help minimize the impact of waves and inclement weather phenomenon. Unfortunately, corals are dying at an
extremely fast rate. Some scientists estimate that we have lost nearly 30% of the world’s coral reefs with 90% of the remaining reefs threatened to disappear by 2030. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, coral reef ecosystems are threatened by change in ocean temperature, runoff and pollution, overexposure to sunlight and extreme low tides—all of which lead to coral bleaching. These conditions stress corals, causing them to expel symbiotic algae living in their tissues, leaving them bleached white. While not dead, the algae provides up to 90% of the coral’s energy, leaving the corals stressed and susceptible to mortality. Once destroyed coral reefs rarely come back. The impact of coral reef destruction is felt
far and wide. Given that they support such a diverse ecosystem, as corals collapse, already at-risk species may face extinction as well. Coral reefs support organisms at the base of ocean food chains putting in jeopardy a food supply that feeds roughly one billion people in Asia alone. It is estimated that the global cost of just a moderate coral bleaching event can be $20 billion while a major event can cost up to $84 billion.2
October 2020
Introducing the positive reef initiative The significance of protecting our coral reefs cannot be understated. As such, EverCare has introduced its Positive Reef Initiative to actively contribute to influencing coral reef restoration. As a trusted zinc oxide supplier, EverCare’s commitment is to offer ingredients that allow for the creation of reef-friendly sun care products, while at the same time making a positive contribution to stop coral reef damage and promote its restoration. The Positive Reef Initiative is committed to helping consumers make informed decisions on their sunscreen purchases, to researching and restoring coral reef populations, and reducing our global carbon footprint to reduce our impact on climate change which affects coral reef habitats. With increased awareness of the impact of sunscreen on coral reefs, consumers are not only looking for natural, reef-safe ingredients for their sun care products, they are also looking for brands committed to protecting the environment.
What is the role of sunscreens in coral reef bleaching? While scientists agree that the major contributor to coral reef bleaching events is due to rising temperatures of sea water, there is continued interest in understanding the direct impact humans have on local coral reefs. Of particular attention has been the environmental impact of UV filters used in sunscreen ingredients, especially for coral reef tourist locations, which can host up to 6,000 visitors a day. In recent years, several studies have been published that claim that exposure to UV filters can cause long-term damage to coral reefs, including bleaching and endocrine disruption. Concern over sunscreen pollution and its
potential impact on coral reefs, particularly in high-traffic tourist areas, has led to legislation that prohibits the use of particular UV filters that are thought to contribute to coral reef bleaching. The island of Palau was the first country to enact such legislation at the start of 2020 with a ban on 10 sunscreen filters that are thought to be harmful to reefs. Additionally, regional
PERSONAL CARE NORTH AMERICA
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