29 August 2022
Let’s protect the Great Barrier Reef
A natural wonder. An Aussie icon. The largest reef ecosystem in the world. The Great Barrier Reef needs our help. Climate change is devastating the biodiversity of coral reefs around the world. Causing enormous destruction including mass coral bleaching and increased cyclones. Home to a quarter of the world’s marine life, our planet depends on the Reef’s prosperity and survival. Through collective action, we can protect the Great Barrier Reef.
Cotton On Foundation X Citizens
of the Great Barrier Reef
From August 29 to September 30, 100% of Cotton On Foundation proceeds and donations will support Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to deliver reef research and conservation activity. With your contribution, we will support Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef to deliver a conservation model that focuses on community, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef is people-powered reef conservation. Consisting of Traditional Owners, conservationists, scientists, tourism operators, divers, sailors, corporations and everyday citizen scientists from across the globe who are committed to maintaining thriving reefs.
“Cotton On Foundation is helping Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef bring together a unique collective of Traditional Owners, scientists and tourism operators to help deliver in-water conservation on one of the great natural wonders, the Great Barrier Reef. Together with the Cotton On Foundation, we can mobilize the new-generation of citizen scientists to scale up conservation to a level never seen before.”
— Andy Ridley, CEO, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef
Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef have a unique ability to mobilize people around the world in initiatives that are efficient and scalable to meet the escalating urgency of coral reef loss around the world. Some of their projects include:
Great Reef Census: To protect the Reef we must first understand it. Surveillance helps to inform scientists and managers of any threats, priority areas and future project sites. The Census mobilizes people both in the water and online to survey hundreds of reefs across the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.
Reef Cooperative: The Reef Cooperative, coordinated by Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, is a collective of some of the brightest minds working collaboratively on innovative ways to protect and conserve the Reef. Bringing together Traditional custodians, the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers, reef scientists from James Cook University, reef restoration experts from Mars Sustainable Solutions and leading tourism operators from GBR Biology. The Reef Cooperative is the Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef ethos in action.
The Reef Cooperative is a collaboration between Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef, GBR Biology, James Cook University, Mars Sustainable Solutions and the Yirrganydji Land and Sea Rangers.
The goal is to raise $2 million over the next 3 years to:
- Install 700 MARRS stars to provide a base for coral to grow on damaged sections of the reef.
- Fast track coral growth by seeding 30,000,000 coral larvae during the spawning period.
- Survey 300 reefs as part of the Great Reef Census to continue to inform scientists and managers to better protect and conserve the Great Barrier Reef.
- Deliver an Indigenous Youth education program for young rangers.
This is just the start, Citizens of the Great Barrier Reef hope to replicate their model across reefs globally. Because it’s only when we’re united as Citizens, that our individual actions can come together to make a real impact.
Why we need to take action for the Great Barrier Reef
It’s one of the largest carbon sinks in the world
The mangroves and seagrasses of the Great Barrier Reef act like sponges, cleaning our air by absorbing carbon and storing it. This is known as ‘blue carbon’. There is evidence to suggest that when coral reefs are damaged, the ability of nearby seagrass meadows to absorb carbon is also diminished. A healthy reef is critical for a healthy planet.
It’s the world’s largest coral reef ecosystem
The reef spans over 344,400 km2 in area. It’s bigger than Victoria and Tasmania combined, or approximately half the size of Texas. Coral reefs provide us with endless benefits and resources. From storm protection and blue carbon, to food and medicinal treatment.
It’s home to over 5,000 marine species
Including rays, whales, dolphins, more than 1500 species of tropical fish and many more. The survival of many species directly depends on the reef, but rising water temperatures, coral bleaching and population outbreaks are threatening their very existence.
Thousands of years of cultural and spiritual significance
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the Traditional Custodians of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Since the Reef’s formation, Traditional Owners have continued to care for their Sea Country through heritage values, rich culture and sustainable practices.
It’s one of the seven wonders of the world
World heritage listed for its rare natural beauty, below and above water. It’s larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living structure that’s visible from space.
What you can do
From August 29 to September 30, 100% of Cotton On Foundation proceeds and donations will support Citizens Of The Great Barrier Reef to deliver reef research and conservation activity.
Sign up to become a Citizen of the Great Barrier Reef and take action for the Reef’s future.
Be kinder to the planet:
- Avoid single-use plastic and choose reusable alternatives.
- Get involved in your local beach clean-up days.
- Stop microplastics from entering our oceans by using microfiber washing bags.
- Walk, cycle or take public transport whenever you can.
- Save water by taking shorter showers and turning off taps. It takes a lot of energy to pump, heat and treat your water.
- Choose companies that support renewable energy or have a climate action plan.
