There is a rare animal whose importance to sea life is as essential to the oceans as the world’s rainforests are to life on land.

It’s coral. Masterful architects few people even recognize as animals, known almost exclusively for the elaborate calcified homes they construct—ancient habitats which have supported diverse sea life for more than 50 million years. And while these living organisms cover less than 1% of the Earth’s surface, they provide habitats for one out of every four of the world’s marine fishes.

Today, coral reefs face an unprecedented crisis. In the last thirty years alone, more than 10% of these elaborate ecosystems have been destroyed. What’s more, researchers believe another 60% could perish by 2050 due to reef destruction, pollution, overfishing and climate change—all things within our control. Unless more is done to reverse this trend, entire ecosystems could literally collapse.

With more than 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by water, blue is truly the color of life on this planet. Today, blue is also the color of hope, thanks to the help of the Blue Project sm —and people like you.