How Coles is helping to save one of Australia’s natural landmarks

It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but the Great Barrier Reef has been under the threat of climate change for a number of years.

It’s one of the seven natural wonders of the world, but the Great Barrier Reef has been under the threat of climate change for a number of years.

To help stem the tide, the Great Barrier Reef Foundation and supermarket giant Coles have today announced a 10-year, $10 million partnership to help strengthen the regeneration and resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

“We need the best science to develop bold, innovative ideas to protect coral reef habitats and slow the impacts of climate change, which is the biggest threat to the survival of the Great Barrier Reef,” said Chief Scientist of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg.

Turtle on the Great Barrier Reef.

Through the partnership, Coles will dedicate funds towards a number of innovative projects based on ‘blue carbon’ – the process of capturing and storing carbon in oceanic or coastal ecosystems such as mangroves, tidal marshes and seagrasses.

Those projects include working with farmers to reinstate a significant coastal wetland in the Great Barrier Reef catchment aimed to restore coastal habitats and serve as highly effective carbon sinks.

While another project is to develop the first large-scale seagrass nursery in partnership with leading seagrass researchers and Traditional Owners of the Reef.

“Unlocking Australia’s blue carbon potential by investing in projects that support revegetation and regeneration of coastal ecosystems is crucial to preserving the Reef,” said Coles CEO Steven Cain.

“Australians value the Great Barrier Reef as one of our most iconic natural assets and Coles wants to contribute to efforts that will help ensure it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”

Originally published as How Coles is helping to save one of Australia’s natural landmarks