The World Ocean is the largest existing ecosystem on our planet. Covering over 71% of the Earth’s surface, it’s a source of livelihood for over 3 billion people. The ocean also works as the main “lung” of our planet, releasing more oxygen into the atmosphere, notably through marine plants, than all the forests in the world, and absorbing 30% of the carbon dioxide produced by humans!
The BNP Paribas Foundation contributes to the preservation of marine ecosystems
Aware of these key issues, for many years the BNP Paribas Foundation has chosen to commit to the preservation of marine ecosystems.Thanks to its Climate & Biodiversity Initiative, 5 of the 18 research projects supported since 2010 have led to a better understanding of the complex mechanisms of acidification and uptake of atmospheric carbon in the ocean, as well as the impacts on wildlife and marine flora (ajouter lien vers une vidéo d’un des projets).
Moreover, on the basis of the fact that coral reefs, which are essential to the equilibrium of marine ecosystems, are facing unprecedented threats, the BNP Paribas Foundation has decided to become more involved in their preservation. In 2018, as part of the International Year of Coral Reefs, the BNP Paribas Foundation and the Association of Science-Technology Centers (ASTC) developed the Corals Matter initiative(Opens in a new tab) in collaboration with various partners, consisting of an awareness toolkit, along with a website and interactive panel, explaining the challenges facing coral reefs and marine biodiversity today.
Coral transplantation, an initiative making a difference in supporting local population
To mark the occasion of the launch of this initiative, on 15 October 2018, the BNP Paribas Foundation also offered all stakeholders, including many BNP Paribas employees, the opportunity to adopt a coral, as part of its partnership with the Coral Guardian association.
A total of 190 corals will therefore be transplanted to damaged reef areas in the coming weeks. This is an innovative approach to conservation, which can only be achieved as a complement to the coral reef conservation initiatives already undertaken.
If you would like to get involved and sponsor a coral to be transplanted into the wild, please go to the Coral Guardian website.
Photo © Coral Guardian
Coral Guardian
Coral Guardian is a French official non-profit organisation recognised as being of public interest. Coral Guardian works for the restoration and protection of marine biodiversity. The association’s missions are particularly focused on preserving coral ecosystems through the involvement of the coastal communities that depend on them. The association carries out concrete actions for enhancing biodiversity thanks to its model of participative, sustainable and replicable marine conservation. Coral Guardian also has missions of raising awareness and scientific research.