rrreefs, a leading ocean conservation initiative, and Melitta, a pioneer in sustainable coffee solutions, has announced an exciting partnership aimed at building an innovative, coral reef ecosystem off the coast of Ecuador. This groundbreaking project, supported by the local community and partnerships including CONMAR alongside local fishermen, represents a significant step forward in coral restoration efforts and marine conservation in the country.
The collaboration between rrreefs and Melitta promotes a shared commitment to ocean health and the preservation of marine biodiversity. Ecuador, known for its rich coastal ecosystems, provides an ideal setting for this first initiative.
The project off Isla El Sucre will include the construction of a 20 m2 reef system using 3D printed clay bricks lowered into the ocean and secured by an innovative modular platform, nauplius. The system provides a foundation for a diverse range of corals to grow and fish to thrive and enables the regrowth of a healthy reef ecosystem which will be monitored and scientifically analyzed across a 3-year period.
CONMAR and fishermen from the local coastal communities, will play a vital role in the success of the reef restoration project. Their knowledge of the marine ecosystem combined with our support and education around sustainable fishing practices will ensure the regeneration and continued growth of the reef for many years to come.
rrreefs Co-Founder Dr. Ulrike Pfreundt: "The partnership with Melitta not only enables us and our partners from CONMAR Ecuador to push forward reef regeneration, but it also marks a milestone in the scientific understanding of our artificial reef system. For the first time, our system will be implemented in the eastern half of the Pacific Ocean, which his home to very unique coral reefs, now allowing us to compare its restorative capacities in three Oceans across the globe.”
"We see the promotion of sustainable development and transformation as part of our corporate mission. The preservation and promotion of biological diversity is essential for this, not only for our primary areas of activity, but also for the functioning of ecosystems worldwide," says Stefan Dierks, Director Sustainability Strategy Melitta Group. "We are therefore very pleased that, together with rrreefs, we can make a contribution to the restoration of a healthy reef ecosystem. We will be keeping a close eye on the development of the reef and are very excited to see how it evolves.”
CONMAR Project Director Andrea Castillo: "In Ecuador, approximately 70% of coral areas have been lost in recent decades. Through this partnership, we're implementing new innovative solutions to facilitate ecosystem recovery and deepen our understanding of coral establishment, which will complement our parallel restoration efforts. Additionally, this project is empowering local fishing communities to participate in marine conservation efforts, which is crucial for the sustainability of such initiatives."
The Ecuador reef project showcases a model for effective partnerships in marine conservation, aligning with global efforts to protect and restore fragile ocean ecosystems.
