Mars Petcare has entered a new phase of its coral reef restoration project with the help of Paralympian and media personality Ellie Simmonds.
The initiative, led by the Sheba cat food brand, has released a new video featuring the swimmer as she visits the Hope Reef in the Spermonde Archipelago, Indonesia, to take part in coral restoration first-hand and learn about the work the Sheba Hope Grows programme is carrying out with the local community to restore coral reefs.
Alongside the local volunteers and Mars marine scientists, Ellie experiences coral restoration first hand, learning how to build and coat reef stars in partnership with the local community and diving underwater to plant them on the ocean floor.
Hope Reef was unveiled in 2021, with 14m by 46m lettering of H-O-P-E spelled out in regrown coral. The area is now a thriving coral reef ecosystem with coral growth increasing from 2% to 70%, fish populations increasing by 260% as well as a 64% rise in the number of fish species. By 2029, the Sheba Hope Grows programme aims to restore more than 185,000 square meters of coral reefs at key sites around the world.
Coral reefs support 25% of the world’s marine life and the livelihoods of over 500 million people, and scientists estimate that, without action, 95% of the world’s tropical reefs will be gone in the next 20 years.
Simmonds said: “I’ve always been passionate about ocean health with the water being such a big part of my life for many years – and it was truly inspiring to learn and see coral reef restoration in action, from the damaged coral which is lifeless and barren, to the sites where the Sheba Hope Grows programme work is complete – and marine life is flourishing.
“I’ve learnt why coral restoration is so important, not only to ensure marine life flourishes, but also for the millions of people that rely on them for food, income and protection against climatic events. This is why it is so important for me to support the Sheba Hope Grows movement and urge people that, with action, there really is hope for us restoring the beauty of our oceans.”
Professor David Smith, chief marine scientist at Mars Incorporated, said: “We know that coral reefs are the beating heart of our oceans and the continued results we’re seeing with our Sheba Hope Grows movement shows that there really is hope for the future.
“We were so pleased to have Ellie Simmonds join us in Indonesia to show her the work we’re doing and we hope this video will help spread the word and inspire others to get involved in the Sheba Hope Grows movement.”
