The Great Barrier Reef is rightfully named one of the seven wonders of the world for its immense size and beautiful coral reef system. It is composed of 2,900 individual reefs and 900 islands stretching across 1,400 miles off the coast of Queensland, Australia. It is home to the most amazing array of corals, as well as an unmatched amount of marine species. 

This video produced by National Geographic shows the scale and the diversity of this wonder.

For me, the Great Barrier Reef is a place I have always wanted to go and see. Combining my love for diving and exploring new ecosystems, the reef provides any adventurer the experience of a lifetime. No place on this planet can match the sheer size and beauty of this underwater wonder. 

The devastation due to climate change and subsequent coral bleaching is causing the reef to deteriorate rapidly. Now, it is so important not only to visit the reef to see its beauty but to see the direct effects of climate change on the marine ecosystem. With more people seeing the damaged reef system, maybe there would be a bigger global push towards conservation and mitigation of climate change effects. 

Much of the tourism for the reefs are now contributing to conservation efforts and mitigating climate change effects. Reef restoration and sustainability programs are very important to Australia and its tourism industry.