# Rare coral reef discovered near Tahiti by a UNESCO mission - Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/rare-coral-reef-discovered-near-tahiti-by-a-unesco-mission/ - Published: 2022-01-20T21:27:59-05:00 - Author: greenlivingguy A scientific research mission supported by UNESCO has discovered one of the largest coral reefs in the world off the coast of Tahiti. The pristine condition of, and extensive area covered by, the rose-shaped corals make this a highly valuable discovery. “To date, we know the surface of the moon better than the deep ocean. Only 20% of the entire seabed has been mapped. This remarkable discovery in Tahiti demonstrates the incredible work of scientists who, with the [support](https://www.unesco.org/en) of UNESCO, further the extent of our knowledge about what lies beneath” – Audrey Azoulay, Director General of UNESCO. ![Coral reef unesco](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/ 01/li-fei-l4QTY7XOIcg-unsplash.jpg?resize=420%2C210&quality=52&ssl=1) ## **Highly unusual discovery ** The reef is located at depths of between 30 and 65 metres. It is approximately 3km in length and between 30m and 60/65m wide, which makes it one of the most extensive healthy coral reefs on record. The giant rose-shaped corals are up to 2 metres in diameter. This is highly unusual because, up to now, the vast majority of the world’s known coral reefs sit at depths of up to 25m. So this discovery suggests that there are many more large reefs out there, at depths of more than 30 metres, in the ocean’s‘ twilight zone’, which we simply do not know about.  “It was magical to witness giant, beautiful rose corals which stretch for as far as the eye can see. It was like a work of art” – Alexis Rosenfeld, French photographer and founder of the 1 Ocean campaign, who led the diving mission. ## **A step forward for science** This expedition is part of UNESCO’s global approach to mapping the ocean. Coral reefs are an important food source for other organisms so locating them can aid research around biodiversity. The [organisms that live](https://greenlivingguy.com/green-living-resources-eco-friendly-products/green-living-organizations/) on reefs can be important for medicinal research and reefs can also provide protection from coastal erosion and even tsunamis.  “French Polynesia suffered a significant bleaching event back in 2019 however this reef does not appear to have been significantly affected. The discovery of this reef in such a pristine condition is good news and can inspire future conservation. We think that deeper reefs may be better protected from global warming.” – Dr. Laetitia Hedouin from France’s National Centre of Scientific Research (CNRS) and the environmental research body CRIOBE who was present on the mission. Until now very few scientists have been able to locate, investigate and study coral reefs at depths of more than 30m. However, technology now means longer dives at these depths are possible. The [team carried out dives totaling around](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/teams-from-245-buildings-around-the-u-s-compete-to-save-energy-and-reduce-greenhouse-gas-emissions-2/) 200 hours. With the purpose of studying the reef and witnessing the coral spawning. Further dives are planned in the coming months to continue investigations around the reef. ## **Unesco’s action for the ocean** [UNESCO](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/01/safety-car-e-fia-porsche-taycan-new-safety-car/) is the UN agency in charge of ocean research. It coordinates global programs such as ocean mapping and tsunami alert system. In [addition to numerous scientific research projects](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/04/sunedison-awarded-additional-31-mw-ac-of-solar-projects-by-the-ontario-power-authority/). The agency is also the guardian of unique ocean places. Through 232 marine [biosphere reserves](https://greenlivingguy.com/2018/08/twenty-four-new-sites-join-unescos-world-network-of-biosphere-reserves/) and 50 marine World Heritage sites of Outstanding Universal Value. UNESCO leads the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, from 2021 to 2030. This [year reflects in the organization](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/10/organic-personal-care-market-expected-to-exponentially-increase-in-the-next-nine-years/) of several major international summits that amplify the collective mobilization. ## **“1 Ocean, the anatomy” campaign** This [campaign is led](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/11/green-lighting-book-campaign-discovering-eco-friendly-lighting/) by explorer photographer Alexis Rosenfeld, in partnership with UNESCO. It’s for the Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development. Each year, until 2030, the organization is carrying out expeditions. They are traveling across the ocean to bear witness to its assets for humanity. Also for the threats it faces and the [solutions we can provide](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/08/calstrs-to-be-first-to-use-breakthrough-online-solution-providing-financial-professionals-with-performance-data-based-on-major-environmental-criteria/). ![author avatar](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/df91669667126e1290c21ee0342c386e2da19d588d4d9ca6560bd82ed59a9641? s=300&d=monsterid&r=g) greenlivingguy The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living expert, and Editor of the McGraw-Hill, TAB Green Guru Guides. Seth is also an Author, Radio Host, Reporter, Writer and an Environmental Consultant on green living. The Green Living Guy writes about green living, green lighting, the green guru guides and more. Seth's books range from: # Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Bob Brant and Seth Leitman (2nd and 3rd editions) # Build Your Own Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman # Build Your Own Electric Motorcycle by Carl Vogel # Green Lighting by Seth Leitman, Brian Clark Howard and Bill Brinsky # Solar Power For Your Home by David Findley # Renewable Energies For Your Home by Russel Gehrke # Do-it-Yourself Home Energy Audits by David Findley # Build Your Own Small Wind Power System by Brian Clark Howard and Kevin Shea # and more green living books to follow. [See Full Bio](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/) [ ](https://greenlivingguy.com/author/greenlivingguy/)