Coral reefs are more cost effective and provide the same protection against rising sea levels as concrete, according to a study by the University of California.
The study found reefs lead to a reduction in wave height of around 64%, compared to a reduction of 30-70% when man made structures were used.
Meta-analysis revealed coral reefs provide substantial protection by reducing wave energy by 97% on average.
One hundred million people living close to the sea, particularly in India, Sri Lanka and the Philippines, could benefit from the protection of coral reefs.
Read more at University of California