"[I]nspiring...highlights the urgency for the future of all peoples living near the ocean and dependent on its ecosystem." Todd LaJeunesse, Prof. Biology, Penn State Univ.

In island nations like the Maldives, reef systems built over millions of years are essential for protection, food and income. "If we don't save the corals now, we're talking the death of a nation," says Maldives Environmental Minister Aminath Shauna.

Finding ways to preserve and regrow coral reefs has become an emergency for many throughout the chain of 1,200 islands in the Indian Ocean.

"We've already fooled with Mother Nature and look how the planet has responded," says former President Mohamed Nasheed. "Everything is more: the winds are stronger, the waves are higher, the droughts are longer, the sun is hotter and the coral are dying."



Grade Level: 7-12, College, Adults
US Release Date: 2024     Copyright Date: 2023
DVD ISBN: 1-961192-18-7

Reviews "Coral Gardeners is a timely look at the impacts of climate change and offers a hopeful perspective on solutions being employed to restore local coral ecosystems. Viewers will be able to marvel at the beauty of the underwater environment, witness its near-decimation, and applaud its regrowth. While this film will be of interest to marine scientists, it also serves as an important example of the dire climate emergency underway, the global interconnectedness of these issues, and outcomes that can result from solution-based approaches. This film is appropriate for introductory and advanced groups focused on topics related to coral reefs, oceans, environmental science, and resource management." Lisa Rodrigues, Professor of Geography and the Environment, Villanova University "Low-lying island nations will be the first people displaced by climate change so creating content to allow folks to learn about efforts surrounding coral restoration and climate adaptation in places like the Maldives is critical to build the political will for change. Coral Gardeners gives a balanced view of life in the Maldives and provides the viewer with a positive lens focused on mitigating climate change impacts while also acknowledging the unknowns of the future." Sarah Davies, Assistant Professor of Biology, Boston University "Coral reefs are critical to the islander's well-being, in terms of food security, cultural values, and economic well-being, but they are degrading and at great risk, often from pressures generated far beyond the borders of these nations. Coral Gardeners serves as a good example of the challenges faced by tropical nations world-wide. We all profit from the broader understanding that educational films like this provide." Mark Hay, Regents Professor and Teasley Chair of Environmental Biology, Georgia Institute of Technology "This is a well-rounded documentary about the beauty and ecosystem services of coral reefs, the threats coral reefs are experiencing, and the actions that are currently taken and still need to be taken on a local and global level to protect reefs. Well-suited for senior-level high school and university students, it also speaks to communities far away from coral reefs to learn about global environmental challenges." Yvonne Sawall, Assistant Professor of Ocean Futures and Life Sciences, Arizona State University "Coral Gardeners is an informative presentation on the issues affecting the reefs of the Maldives islands and the efforts of people to understand options and motivate citizens to action. Both mesmerizing and thought-provoking, the documentary shows what has been lost and what will be lost as a result of climate change. Education and participation are helping, and this documentary can spread the word and reap new insights!" Esther Peters, Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, George Mason University "Coral Gardeners is an alarm call about the effects of climate change on the island nation of the Maldives. Faced with potentially devastating consequences caused by carbon emissions from other nations, the film describes efforts to save the quality of life and livelihoods in the Maldives, particularly through efforts to restore coral reefs. Coral gardening is an opportunity to produce corals that can better tolerate the warming ocean. This film gives direct personal insight into some solutions for adapting to the consequences of climate change and protecting the precious coral reef ecosystem." Dr. Emily Rivest, Associate Professor, Virginia Institute of Marine Science, College of William and Mary