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Edward Charles Foundation
Reefs for Life
OUR SUSTAINABILITY GOALS
ABOUT US
Reefs for Life is using Biorock coral reef restoration technology and proven social engineering methodology to create change both underwater and in the surrounding communities. Reefs for Life has 24 artificial reef structures in 5 different locations. Most are powered with solar panels mounted on pontoon boats. The Reefs for Life Pontoon Boat has over 1,700 watts of solar energy that can power up to 12 dome shaped artificial reefs. Each dome reef provides 10 square meters of upward facing surface area for coral placement.
We established a Peoples Organization and trained local fishermen in fisheries management methodology. They are now leading their community in protecting the Marine Protected Area and promoting sustainable fishing methods.
HOW WE CONTRIBUTE TO A SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY
Reefs for Life is using Biorock coral reef restoration technology and proven social engineering methodology to create change both underwater and in the surrounding communities.
Reefs for Life has 24 artificial reef structures in 5 different locations. Most are powered with solar panels mounted on pontoon boats. The Reefs for Life Pontoon Boat has over 1,700 watts of solar energy that can power up to 12 dome-shaped artificial reefs. Each dome reef provides 10 square meters of upward facing surface area for coral placement.
We established a Peoples Organization and trained local fishermen in fisheries management methodology. They are now leading their community in protecting the Marine Protected Area and promoting sustainable fishing methods.
Coral Reef Restoration only becomes sustainable if the people that live near them understand the importance of coral reefs and provide care and protection for them. Coastal communities can easily create their own Biorock structures, giving them ownership of the coral reefs they are restoring and protecting. Reefs for Life works along side community leaders to help start social enterprises - businesses that allow people to earn money and at the same time help the environment. Our education programs empower the people with the knowledge to manage their natural resources in sustainable ways.
TO MAKE A BIGGER IMPACT WE COULD USE
Additional funding will allow us to catalyze a movement of communities coming together to protect their coral reefs and the future of their children. As each town creates their fish sanctuary, coral reefs will be protected and restoration projects started. Entire regions will merge into a giant fish sanctuary and reef restoration zone that will turn back the tide of coral reef destruction, and communities will be transformed from the largest threat to coral reefs into their greatest caretaker and advocate.
TO HELP OTHER ECO-INITIATIVES WE ARE OFFERING
Established 6 new Marine Protected Areas in 2015
Developed a trained team of local divers in Coral Reef Restoration
Trained a local Coral Reef Restoration Project Manager
Started a 100 member volunteer organization that provides expertise in education and community development.
Project Managers were certiļ¬ed in Biorock Reef Restoration technology and Reef Check Monitoring
Constructed 5 artifcial reefs (24 structures total) in 2 different towns
Constructed a guard station for enforcement of the Marine Protected Area
Built and installed buoys to mark the Marine Protected Areas
Started Coast Creations, a social enterprise that enables the people to earn money through eco-tourism.
Increased fish catches in communities with Marine Protected Areas.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Coral Reefs are dying all around the world because of anthropogenic factors. The people that depend on the coral reefs to survive are suffering. When we saw for ourselves the destruction of the coral reefs and the plight of the people that make a living off them, we were compelled to help. We started Reefs for Life as a non-profit organization because the coral reefs need protection and restoration, and the people need education and training to manage their natural resources in sustainable ways. Bringing cutting edge reef building technology to the communities that live near the coral reefs has created a synergy that is spreading to other communities and reefs. This grass roots movement to save the coral reefs will have broad effects on the health and sustainability of both reefs and people as it is replicated in other places.
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