The Coca-Cola Foundation (TCCF) will fund a three-year project to revive marine life habitat on the Great Barrier Reef.
The US$500,000 (A$790,000) grant will see TCCF partner with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to bring together scientists, indigenous rangers and the local community to focus on a seagrass meadows project.
Vast areas of seagrass were left barren after the devastation of Cyclone Jasper in 2023 and the meadows form natural habitats for dugongs and green turtles.
TCCF President, Carlos Pagoaga, said the local partnership is a privilege for the foundation to commit to.
“The Great Barrier Reef is one of our world’s most critical ecosystems, a crucial component of the region’s marine health, and a vital part of Australia’s natural heritage,” he said.
“Seagrass meadows are intrinsically connected to the reef, and through this project, we aim to help sustain the health and resilience of this entire ecosystem for the future.”
The financial commitment will replant and nurture seagrass across 1500 hectares with the help of James Cook University researchers, indigenous rangers and local community groups.
Mandubarra Aboriginal Land and Sea Inc Seagrass Project Officer, Jayden Crump, said caring for country in this way helps sustain the environment and cultural heritage for future generations.
“The health of seagrass is deeply connected to our key cultural indicator species – the turtles and dugongs – and it reflects the health of the surrounding habitat and the health of the species that rely on it for shelter and food,” Crump said.
“This project gives the Mandubarra people the opportunity to deepen our understanding of data collection, strengthen our knowledge of how seagrass, turtles and dugongs interact, and better share the significance of this relationship with our community.”
The project is also more than just habitat restoration because healthy reefs are reliant on health seagrass, according to Great Barrier Reef Foundation MD, Anna Marsden.
“It’s a lifeline for the reef’s marine species that rely on this critical ecosystem and the communities who have cared for them for generations,” Marsden said.
“Seagrass meadows are underwater powerhouses, improving water quality and protecting coastlines from storm surges, all while capturing carbon to help combat climate change.”