What is the importance of protecting marine environments for biodiversity?
Protecting marine environments is vital for maintaining biodiversity as these ecosystems provide habitat for numerous species, many of which are endemic and susceptible to changes. Healthy marine environments contribute to food security, economic livelihoods, and cultural heritage. They also serve critical functions, such as carbon sequestration and nutrient cycling, which have broader implications for climate regulation. The degradation of these ecosystems can lead to the loss of species diversity and threaten the balance of marine life. Therefore, effective protection measures are essential to sustain biodiversity and ecosystem services.