Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System

Snapshot Solution
Active restoration in progress
Mars Sustainable Solutions

The Mars Assisted Reef Restoration Solution is a low-cost community-based reef restoration solution that is rapid and scalable. Our supply-chain approach to reef restoration diversifies and maximises community participation. We choose appropriate sites around the world and work closely with local communities and partners to rebuild reefs on degraded rubble fields. We use hexagonal 'Reef Star' structures, each with 15 sustainably harvested coral fragments attached. We deploy Reef Stars in an interlocking web across rubble beds - it is possible to install >5000 coral fragments per day. The web of Reef Stars stabilises loose rubble and provides a platform for rapid coral growth and full reef development within 3 years. We monitor socio-ecological performance and have developed a training programme for marine park managers, conservation practitioners and tourism operators. More information is at our website www.buildingcoral.com

Last update: 11 May 2021
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Context
Challenges addressed
Loss of Biodiversity
Ocean warming and acidification
Sea level rise
Tropical cyclones / Typhoons
Ecosystem loss
Lack of technical capacity
Scale of implementation
Local
Ecosystems
Coral reef
Theme
Habitat fragmentation and degradation
Restoration
Sustainable livelihoods
Islands
Local actors
Science and research
Tourism
Location
Makassar, South Sulawesi, Indonesia
Caribbean
Central America
Southeast Asia
Oceania
Impacts

Environmentally, we see rapid coral growth, leading to 12x increases in coral cover and full reef development within 3 years. We also see increases in fish abundance and biomass, and the return of charismatic fauna such as turtles and sharks.

Socio-economically, we facilitate high levels of involvement and engagement with community-led conservation and restoration. This creates opportunities for employment, skills development, education, sustianable development and community empowerment. 

Further details of our impacts are available at our website www.buildingcoral.com

Sustainable Development Goals
SDG 14 – Life below water
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