Supporting An Icon - CITI
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the great natural wonders of the world and an Australian icon, however is facing an uncertain future if we don’t take action. Coral reefs are crucial ecosystems that are threatened by multiple processes, particularly warming and ocean acidification as a result of climate change. Right now, there is as much coral genetic diversity on the reef as there will be in our lifetimes, because every time there is a bleaching event, we are losing coral.
Posted on 31 May 2023 by Media Post
The Great Barrier Reef is one of the great natural wonders of the world and an Australian icon, however is facing an uncertain future if we don’t take action. Coral reefs are crucial ecosystems that are threatened by multiple processes, particularly warming and ocean acidification as a result of climate change. Right now, there is as much coral genetic diversity on the reef as there will be in our lifetimes, because every time there is a bleaching event, we are losing coral.
Taronga is the leading organisation in Australia applying cryopreservation technologies to reef management, restoration and research, for conservation management of the Great Barrier Reef. Our team of biologists working with the Smithsonian Institution, the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS), the Great Barrier Reef Foundation, and Traditional Owners, have been focusing on the cryobanking of keystone coral reef species (i.e. those that are essential to reef structure and function).
It’s difficult to comprehend and imagine the land down under without our iconic Great Barrier Reef. Although this may seem daunting, and you may be thinking – how could I possibly help, I am only one person – the truth is everyone has a role to play in securing a future for our reef!
From changing your sunscreen to switching your energy, there are many everyday activities that can help support our iconic Great Barrier Reef.
Swap to Reef Safe Sunscreen
Look for an SPF Sunscreen that uses mineral UV-blocking active ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and doesn’t include oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other chemicals such as parabens.
Try to avoid sunscreen sprays as a lot lands on the sand, affecting animals and ending up in our oceans.
Switch to renewable energy
We’ve made the switch to renewable electricity at Taronga, and you can too! Switch your household electricity to a company that supplies renewable energy to the grid. If you are happy where you are, you can also contact your current electricity provider about purchasing Greenpower for a few extra cents per kilowatt hour, to support new renewable energy projects. For many, the added monthly cost will equate to a few coffees.
Keep our oceans clean of litter
Choose to reuse! Single use plastics may touch our hands for just seconds but can spend a lifetime in our marine environment, where they can be eaten by wildlife or spread diseases throughout coral reefs. Fortunately, there are reusable alternatives to almost every disposable product.
Recycle and dispose of trash properly. Discarded rubbish can end up in our waterways and reef systems harming our animals and the natural environment.
Learn more about our reef and spread the word!
The Great Barrier Reef is Australia largest reef system, so it’s important we protect it. Learn more about how Taronga is helping via our Reef Recovery Program by watching the below video AND reading more here: https://taronga.org.au/conservation-and-science/current-research/reef-recovery
And spread the word about the importance of supporting the reef!
Taronga’s important work is made possible by the support of our Principal Sponsor, Citi Australia, and is delivered as part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program, funded by a partnership between the Australian Government's #reeftrust and the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to develop effective interventions to help the Reef resist, adapt to, and recover from the impacts of climate change.
