Running Head Campaign Project

Running Head Campaign Project

My focus message will be on the harm of sunscreen to coral reefs and how to use the right sunscreen to protect coral reefs. The recent decades have seen an increased threat to coral reefs, starting with widespread climate change that has intensified concerns about coral reefs' ecologic integrity and future health. More than three-quarters of coral reefs are under threat, with sunscreen being one of the risk concerns. Tourists regularly use sunscreen as coral reefs are located in warmer climates with at least four thousand tons of sunscreen entering the reef every year, leading to sunscreen pollution (Tovar-Sà¡nchez, 2019). The sunscreen chemical composition like zinc oxide, benzophenones, and oxybenzone, which breaches the coral reefs and has led to a loss of over eighty percent of Caribbean reefs.

The chemicals also cause mutations, damages biological compositions, etcetera, leading to their eventual loss from predation, among other factors (Schrope, 2018). This brings the need to address the most detrimental factor affecting coral reefs i.e., sunscreen. Using eco-friendly sunscreens with organic and inorganic UV filters and free from harmful chemicals will significantly reduce these risks. It would guarantee the continuation of coral's eye-catching beauty expressed in an array of colors, including pink, orange, and red. Tourism, businesses, and government coffers would spur as visitors look to experience this beauty, and people would enjoy their recreational activities on the beaches.

The numerous marine species, including sharks, turtles, crustaceans, fish, and anemones that rely on coral reefs for their food and shelter, would continue to enjoy these provisions and thrive. The fishermen will enjoy their economic activity as there would be more fish in their fishing nets, similar to the people's lips that would be set for a carnivore experience from this plenty, healthy and tasty dishes. Besides, storms and erosions at the shore will be kept at bay as the corals act as physical barriers to the coastline. This and many other benefits confirm the need for coral reefs protection (Thompson, 2020). The audience for my message would be general public members who constitute the tourism and recreational base that has been linked to the use of harmful sunscreens.

They need to understand that 'coral reefs are so precious to risk.' Interactive media and social media would offer a wonderful platform to express this message to audiences across different geographical and time zones. This campaign is not just an American campaign but also a global campaign as it runs across nations. I will urge them that 'it is time to save our blue planet,' speak for mouthless oceans' and drive the blue economy forward. Whether you are a one-day toddler, a 16-year teen, a 40-year father, or an 80-year granny, 'you can make a change.' That simple thing of choosing the appropriate sunscreen and that small extra budget is 'what it takes' to maintain a well-thriving marine biodiversity (Walker, 2018).

The message would be transmitted through sponsored ads that appear on the most used sites like google, facebook, youtube, and Instagram. The ads will be run strategically and continuously and will be able to direct the audience to the main campaign page that contains most of the needed questions and answers they may have. For a small population still under the legacy system, using occasional mainstream media like television shows and print media would also be considered. Comprehensive coverage for six months would be bound to change people's perspective and align them to the overall campaign goals. The language would be understandable and straightforward across multiple demographics, and ads would be translated to suit regional language interests.

Social and interactive media would allow for direct engagement with the audience, answering their queries, and promoting interest to 'rescue the coral greens.' The choice of captivating statements would be bound to ensure the success of this ‘rescue mission’ (Thomas, 2016).

Paper For Above instruction

Coral reefs are vital ecosystems that support a vast array of marine biodiversity and provide essential services to human societies, including coastal protection, tourism, and fisheries. However, they face existential threats from multiple human-induced stressors, among which sunscreen pollution has emerged as a significant concern in recent years. This paper explores the detrimental impact of chemical-laden sunscreens on coral reefs, advocates for the use of eco-friendly sunscreens, and discusses a strategic campaign to raise global awareness and foster behavioral change to protect these precious marine habitats.

The primary threat posed by sunscreens to coral reefs stems from active chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, benzophenones, and zinc oxide. These substances, when rinsed off into ocean waters, have been shown to cause coral bleaching, DNA damage, and developmental deformities in coral larvae, ultimately leading to reef degradation (Tovar-Sà¡nchez, 2019). Studies indicate that over four thousand tons of sunscreen chemicals are deposited into reefs annually, contributing to the alarming decline of Caribbean reefs by over 80% (Schrope, 2018). The chemicals induce mutations, impair reproductive capabilities, and disturb the biological balance of reef ecosystems, thereby threatening their resilience and capacity to sustain marine life.

The environmental hazards posed by harmful sunscreens call for immediate action, emphasizing the adoption of eco-friendly alternatives. Mineral-based sunscreens with mineral filters such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, devoid of chemical absorbers like oxybenzone and benzophenones, are safer options that do not penetrate coral tissues or cause damage (Walker, 2018). Promoting such products among tourists, beachgoers, and local communities is essential to reducing chemical runoff into marine environments. Implementing policies that regulate or ban the use of harmful sunscreens in sensitive areas can further safeguard reef health.

Public awareness campaigns serve as a critical tool to change perceptions and behaviors related to sunscreen usage. Leveraging social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter enables targeted messaging across demographics and geographical regions. Engaging visuals, compelling slogans, and straightforward information can effectively communicate the importance of selecting reef-safe sunscreens. Campaign slogans like "Protect our reefs, choose eco-friendly sunscreens" and "Save coral reefs, one sun protection choice at a time" can resonate and motivate behavioral change among diverse audiences, including tourists, locals, and policymakers.

The campaign strategy involves sponsored ads on popular digital platforms, coupled with educational content on campaign websites. These ads will be optimized for maximum reach and frequency, directing audiences to detailed resources about reef-friendly products and protective measures. Complementing digital outreach with traditional media such as television shows, magazines, and community events ensures broader coverage, especially in regions with limited internet access. A six-month intensive campaign period allows for sustained messaging, assessment of impact, and reinforcement of behavioral change.

Interactive media features, such as Q&A sessions, virtual workshops, and quizzes, foster engagement and reinforce the campaign’s messages. Translations into regional languages expand inclusivity and ensure messages are accessible to diverse populations. The overarching goal is to mobilize individuals to make conscious choices that reduce chemical runoff, thereby enhancing reef resilience and preserving marine biodiversity for future generations.

In conclusion, the widespread use of harmful sunscreens significantly threatens coral reef ecosystems, but through strategic awareness campaigns promoting reef-safe products, behavioral change can be achieved. It is imperative that individuals, communities, and governments collaborate to implement policies and practices that prioritize reef conservation. By choosing eco-friendly sunscreens and supporting protective measures, we can collectively preserve the vibrant, life-supporting ecosystems beneath the waves. Protecting coral reefs is not solely an environmental issue but a moral obligation to sustain the health of our planet’s oceans and the myriad forms of life they support.

References

• Schrope, M. (2018). Thinking big: How to save the coral reefs. New Scientist, 28-31.
• Tovar-Sà¡nchez, A. (2019). Sunscreens in coastal ecosystems: Occurrence, behavior, effect, and risk. Springer Nature.
• Thompson, B. M. (2020). Investigating the effects of UV filters in sunscreen on human and environmental health.
• Walker, C. (2018). A global campaign to save coral reefs. SPIE Newsroom. ORG/535 v1
• Additional scholarly references to support the campaign strategy and on the impact of chemicals on coral reefs, including peer-reviewed articles and authoritative environmental reports.