However, they are at risk from climate change, with some estimates showing that half of the world's live coral has already been lost.
"The world has likely already crossed 1.5°C of warming, and coral reefs are at a tipping point, but our science shows a clear path forward," said Stacy Jupiter, executive director of WCS’s global marine program.
"Some coral reefs are defying the odds and have the ability to survive and fight back against the impacts of climate change – if we find them and protect them.
"This strategy is our commitment to act on that evidence."
The WCS strategy sets out three goals to achieve by 2030. The first is to understand and identify high integrity climate-resilient coral reefs.
"Coral reefs are at a tipping point"
The second is to safeguard these reefs through conservation action, and the third is to connect people to drive system-level change.
Emily Darling, director of coral reef conservation at WCS, said: "This strategy is about more than just preventing loss and saving coral reefs. It’s about building a future where oceans thrive, communities prosper, and hope endures.
"By focusing on the coral reefs most likely to withstand climate change, we can spark recovery, build a resilient future, and show what’s possible when science, collaboration, and commitment come together."
Joe Walston, executive vice president for global conservation at WCS, added: "By combining cutting-edge science, political action, and the co-creation of local solutions, we are investing in the reefs that have the greatest chance of surviving today.
"These reefs will not only endure but also drive recovery for the oceans and communities of tomorrow."
The Wildlife Conservation Society manages four zoos and an aquarium; the Bronx Zoo, Central Park Zoo, Queens Zoo, Prospect Park Zoo, and the New York Aquarium.
Images courtesy of WCS, lead image credit: Steve De Neef
David Rosenberg, Vice President of Guest Experience
The Solar Shuttle
The 9000ST Series