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The Nature Conservancy. Protecting nature. Preserving life.™
We're working with you to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States and your backyard. Support our work
Oceans and Coasts
Save Coral Reefs, Save Lives
Derived from a sea sponge in the Caribbean, the drug Ara-C is the backbone of some chemotherapy for leukemia and lymphoma. And that's not the only example—compounds found in coral reefs are essential sources of medicine for everything from diabetes to heart disease to Alzheimer's.
Find out why coral reefs represent hope for doctors, researchers and cancer survivors.
Video: Coral Reefs Saved My Life
Arden O'Conner discusses how medicine derived from coral reefs helped save her life and a prominent medical researcher talks about the value of reefs in medical research.
The Nature of Cancer
Dr. Daniel Gruenberg, oncologist, talks with Jen Newlin – a Conservancy staffer – about medicine, nature and Jen’s treatment.
Save Reefs to Save Lives
Did you know medicine from coral reefs is used to fight cancer? Dr. Bruce Chabner, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School explains how.
Coral Reefs Can Save Lives
A cancer survivor turned medical student says talking about medicine could help save the environment.
Read More
Whether scary or exciting, nature has a way of sneaking up on you. See stories
Hear some of nature's success stories and see how nature matters to us all. Watch videos
Adopt a Coral Reef
You can help protect the world's most beautiful and diverse places. Adopt a Coral Reef today.
