
Why We're Screening Chasing Coral š
At Esottera, we believe healing begins with remembering the world isnāt brokenāitās beloved.
Thatās why onĀ June 22, weāre hosting a virtual screening of Chasing Coralāan award-winning documentary that reveals the heartbreaking yet hope-filled story of the worldās vanishing coral reefs.
š Why Coral Reefs Matter
Coral reefs are the heartbeat of marine biodiversity.
Though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor, they harbor over 25% of all marine species (NOAA, 2023). These vibrant ecosystems:
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Generate over $375 billion annually through fisheries, coastal protection, and tourism (WWF, 2022).
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Support 1+ billion people who rely on them for food, income, and storm resilience (UNEP, 2023).
But the truth is sobering:
Weāve lost more than 50% of coral reefs since the 1970s. Without immediate action, up to 99% could be gone by 2050 (IPCC Special Report, 2019).
š Honoring Dr. Ruth Gates: Coralās Brightest Light
Chasing Coral honors the legacy of the late Dr. Ruth Gates, a marine biologist and visionary who championed āsuper coralsāāspecies bred to withstand rising ocean temperatures and acidity.
Known in the conservation world as the ārockstar of coral restoration,ā Ruth believed in radical optimism: that science and soul can co-create solutions.
āShe brought joy and urgency to marine biology and left us with a call to protect what we love.ā ā National Geographic, 2018
Her voice in the film is a north starāreminding us that even in crisis, we can regenerate beauty.
šŖø From Indigenous Wisdom to Ocean Innovation
In both Indigenous knowledge and regenerative science, the lesson is the same:
We donāt save natureāwe remember our relationship with it.
At Esottera, we honor this sacred reciprocity by uplifting and bringing to light solutions from conservationists across time:
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PSI tribal partnerships are leading ocean healing rooted in ancestral stewardship.
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Oceanite (IntelliReefs), a marine-safe nanomaterial, accelerates coral growth and biodiversity, offering a modern bridge to reef revival.
š Learn more from Jessica Rose with Reef Life FoundationĀ with her inspirationalĀ blog posts on Indigenous leadership and coral restoration āa deep dive into the intersections of tradition and technology.
Indigenous Leadership & Climate Innovation
Intellireefs: Coral Restoration
š« Join Us June 22 ā A Night of Story and Stewardship
Gather virtually with ESO, our nature guardian character, and the Esottera community for:
š„ Chasing Coral screening
šæ Post-film reflection + action conversation
š Digital Coral Care Bundle featuring:
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ESO comic: Reef Inspired
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Keepsake collectible ticket
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Mini zero waste guideĀ
- Coral Fact Sheets
šļø Free entry, or upgrade with a $10 donation ticketāall proceeds benefit:
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Wild.org, the nonprofit partner behind Chasing Coral
*A giveaway will be hosted at the end of the event! Ticket number will be drawn at random.
š± Letās Make a Ripple Together
This isnāt just a film screening. Itās a chance to return to wonder, deepen our understanding, and take heartfelt action.
Letās show upānot just as viewers, but as reef protectors, community stewards, and carriers of hope.
Weāll see you there. š
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š This blog post includes original content by Esottera. Coral statistics are referenced from the NOAA (2023), WWF (2022), and IPCC (2019). Dr. Ruth Gates' legacy is documented by the Gates Coral Lab, National Geographic, and Chasing Coral (Exposure Labs).