Why We're Screening Chasing Coral 🌊

At Esottera, we believe healing begins with remembering the world isn’t broken—it’s beloved.

That’s why on June 22, we’re hosting a virtual screening of Chasing Coral—an award-winning documentary that reveals the heartbreaking yet hope-filled story of the world’s vanishing coral reefs.

🌍 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:

• Generate over $375 billion annually through fisheries, coastal protection, and tourism (WWF, 2022).

• Support 1+ billion people who rely on them for food, income, and storm resilience (UNEP, 2023).

But the truth is sobering:
We’ve 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).

💛 Honoring Dr. Ruth Gates: Coral’s Brightest Light

Chasing Coral honors the legacy of the late Dr. Ruth Gates, a marine biologist and visionary who championed “super corals”—species bred to withstand rising ocean temperatures and acidity.
Known in the conservation world as the “rockstar of coral restoration,” Ruth believed in radical optimism: that science and soul can co-create solutions.

“She brought joy and urgency to marine biology and left us with a call to protect what we love.” – National Geographic, 2018

Her voice in the film is a north star—reminding us that even in crisis, we can regenerate beauty.

🪸 From Indigenous Wisdom to Ocean Innovation

In both Indigenous knowledge and regenerative science, the lesson is the same:
We don’t save nature—we remember our relationship with it.

At Esottera, we honor this sacred reciprocity by uplifting and bringing to light solutions from conservationists across time:

• PSI tribal partnerships are leading ocean healing rooted in ancestral stewardship.

• Oceanite (IntelliReefs), a marine-safe nanomaterial, accelerates coral growth and biodiversity, offering a modern bridge to reef revival.

📖 Learn more from Jessica Rose with Reef Life Foundation with her inspirational blog posts on Indigenous leadership and coral restoration —a deep dive into the intersections of tradition and technology.

Indigenous Leadership & Climate Innovation

Intellireefs: Coral Restoration

💫 Join Us June 22 — A Night of Story and Stewardship

Gather virtually with ESO, our nature guardian character, and the Esottera community for:

🎥 Chasing Coral screening
🌿 Post-film reflection + action conversation
🎁 Digital Coral Care Bundle featuring:

• ESO comic: Reef Inspired

• Keepsake collectible ticket

• Mini zero waste guide 

• Coral Fact Sheets

🎟️ Free entry, or upgrade with a $10 donation ticket—all proceeds benefit:

• Reef Life Foundation

• 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.

🌱 Let’s Make a Ripple Together

This isn’t just a film screening. It’s a chance to return to wonder, deepen our understanding, and take heartfelt action.

Let’s show up—not just as viewers, but as reef protectors, community stewards, and carriers of hope.

We’ll see you there. 🌊

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🌀 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).