Coral reefs are diverse marine animals that have created an underwater ecosystem. Reefs can be found in coastal regions of 109 countries around the world. The World Heritage List includes 29 natural and marine properties that contain coral reef systems. It includes icons such as the Great Barrier Reef, Australia and The Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, Philippines. 

This year (2016), there has been a renewed focus on children’s health. The WHO has launched a global strategy on health for women, children and adolescents. New challenges keep cropping up as increase in travel and people-to-people contact creates a globalization of microbes. Degrading environment has its own set of problems.

Festivals have two dimensions, one religious and the other celebratory. Festivals origianally gave thanks to natural forces. But with time, an evil eye was, as it were, cast on our natural resources. People burst firecrackers, made idols with nonbiodegradable materials and toxic paints and played with colours that pollute the air, land and water. But some tribes whose livelihoods depend directly on natural resources celebrate their tribal festivals while maintaining an ecological balance.