A Reef of Life: Coral Innovation and Conservation in Colombia
At Green Souls Global we are excited to share the project "A Reef of Life" , an innovative initiative in partnership with Dislicores , whose objective is to restore and create new coral reefs in San Andrés. Thanks to this collaboration, we have established an operations center in San Andrés , where we have a strategic location for the creation of coral cookies. We work alongside marine biologists who continuously monitor the progress and growth of corals.
The Challenge of Coral Restoration
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Restoring coral reefs is a formidable challenge, undertaken by only a few entities with the aim of guaranteeing a functional ecosystem for future generations. Dislicores , known for its commitment to sustainability, has designed the project "A Reef of Life" combines its successful glass return program with the repair of coral ecosystems. Using pulverized glass, they make platelets to repopulate these vital ecosystems affected by climate change.
Strategic Alliances for Conservation
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This project is a collaboration between Green Souls Global , Disliques and entities such as the Magdalena Regional Autonomous Corporation (CORPAMAG) , the Rodadero Aquarium , the CIM Caribbean Foundation and the Santa Marta Sustainable Foundation . Together, we have managed to plant more than 10,000 coral fragments in the Colombian Caribbean, contributing to the national goal of restoring more than 150 meters of coral ecosystems in Santa Marta.
Importance of Coral Reefs
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Coral reefs are essential for marine biodiversity and ocean health. These ecosystems cover only 0.2% of the ocean surface, but are fundamental to the balance of other ecosystems. They help change the direction and speed of ocean currents, facilitating the formation of mangroves and seagrass beds. However, reefs are being severely affected by irresponsible human practices and natural phenomena exacerbated by climate change.
Restoration and Circular Economy
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The project "A Reef of Life" Dislicores is aligned with the national strategy "One Million Corals for Colombia", which seeks to recover 200 hectares of reefs. By using recycled glass in the manufacture of platelets for planting coral fragments, Dislicores incorporates circular economy practices, reusing glass waste to restore marine ecosystems.
Glass as a Sustainable Resource
Glass is an inert, ecological and 100% recyclable material, ideal for restoring ecosystems. Composed of 70% silica, this material can be extracted from recycled glass and used to manufacture resistant structures that facilitate the growth of corals, contributing to the health of the oceans.
Coral Planting
Coral seeding is a critical process for reef restoration. Using asexual fragmentation techniques, corals are divided and seeded on structures made from a mixture of pulverized glass and cement. These fragments are cared for until they reach stability and then transplanted to suitable habitats for their development.
Project Development
The project "A Reef of Life" The project has been developed in five unique experiences, involving communities, entities and corporations to generate socio-environmental benefits. Participants have built structures, fragmented corals and planted them in coral nurseries, promoting awareness about the importance of reefs and the circular economy.
We can finally say that we have a:
Coral planting operations center
This project is an example of how innovation and collaboration can boost environmental conservation. Thanks to our operations center in San Andrés, where we create coral cookies and monitor their growth alongside marine biologists, “A Reef of Life” not only seeks to restore coral reefs, but also to raise awareness and encourage sustainable practices that benefit both the environment and human communities. Join us on this journey towards a more sustainable future!