We all love the Great Barrier Reef. Not only is it beautiful, it is home to the most diverse range of plants and animals like Regal Blue Tangs (Dory), Clownfish (Nemo and Marlin), green sea turtles and so much more. It provided such a rich undersea environment for Finding Nemo that it became a character in itself and is again showcased in Finding Dory.
Coral reefs are home to about 25% of all ocean organisms even though they cover less than 1% of the ocean floor! This ecosystem is highly diverse with many colourful creatures that are constantly interacting with each other and their surroundings. Scientists even refer to coral reefs as the ’Rainforests of the Sea’!
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. It stretches 2,300 kilometres down the eastern coast of Australia, covering an area the size of Italy. Like many coral reefs worldwide, the Great Barrier Reef is under threat from bleaching, storm damage, poor water quality and climate change.
We want to Remember the Reef to celebrate the role the Great Barrier Reef played in inspiring the characters we love. Helping to raise awareness of the decline in the reef and inspire people to make a difference, ensuring its beauty and diversity will remain for generations to come.
Remember the Reef takes a practical approach, aiming to restore coastal wetlands that help protect the Great Barrier Reef. Restored wetlands store carbon at higher rates than forests on land, taking climate action to counter coral bleaching. But they also filter sediment and toxins flowing from the Queensland hills into the Great Barrier Reef, thereby improving water quality so new coral can grow.
To restore affected coastal wetlands we partner with the not-for-profit organisation Greenfleet, who will re-create ecosystems in the Great Barrier Reef region. Greenfleet will plant trees in the upper catchment of the Great Barrier Reef as well as restore mangroves along coastal wetlands.
Our supporting partners Qantas, SEA LIFE Aquariums, and Airbnb also Remember the Reef. Together we work to plant native trees and restore mangroves in the Great Barrier Reef region, to help young marine animals just keep swimming.
You can help us too, through donating to make a real impact on the environment and protect the Great Barrier Reef! Donations made will help our environmental charity partner Greenfleet to restore ecosystems along the Queensland coast.
Head to Greenfleet for more details on how to donate.