As we celebrate Earth Day, it's essential to recognize the profound significance of our oceans in supporting life on our planet. Our oceans cover over 70% of the Earth's surface and play a critical role in regulating climate, supporting livelihoods, and harboring immense biodiversity. From the air we breathe to the food we eat; the oceans impact every aspect of our lives.

Whilst covering less than 0.1% of the ocean floor, coral reefs underpin the foundation of our oceans, supporting 25% of all marine life and providing essential services to life above and below water. The world’s reefs have lost 50% of their coral cover over the last 30 years and are facing accelerating decline. If reefs are to continue providing for people around the world, we need drastic new interventions and we need them now.

Faced with this alarming decline, the community from Pulau Bontosua, an Island off the coast of Sulawesi, Indonesia, recognized the urgent need for action. For thirty years their reefs were silent, destroyed by destructive fishing to become vast stretches of coral rubble beds. In 2016, the local Bontosuan community showed great trust, hospitality, and leadership by initiating a restoration project, in partnership with Mars.

Since the initiation of the restoration project, the local Bontosuan community has been actively involved in the production and preparation of Reef Stars, tying on the corals and being guardians of the restored reef areas.

This was just the start. In 2022, after identifying key skill gaps in diving capabilities, three local members of the Bontosua community completed their Open Water dive course as part of their training to form the Bontosua Community Restoration Team (BCRT). The following year the team enhanced their theoretical and practical restoration knowledge, alongside three new community members, by receiving MARRS competency training. Harnessing this knowledge, across 2024, the team initiated independent restoration efforts on their local reefs, marking a significant milestone in their journey.

As they continue their mission to restore and protect their precious marine habitat, the Bontosua Community Restoration Team serves as a beacon of hope for communities around the world. Their story and action are a testament to the power of collective action and the importance of active local community involvement in creating long-term stewardship of coral reefs.

On this World Earth Day, let us take inspiration from the Bontosua Community Restoration Team and pledge to protect and preserve our oceans for current and future generations. Through collective action, we can ensure the health and vitality of our oceans and the planet as a whole.

In the world we want tomorrow, the planet is healthy, and our vital coral reefs are restored, alongside thriving and resilient coastal and island communities who depend on them for survival.