Adnkronos Rome, April 15 (Adnkronos) – The stories of people and communities committed to saving coral reefs, a vital but increasingly threatened ecosystem: the documentary Reef Builders is now available for streaming on Prime Video. Presented by Sheba, the documentary explores the Sheba Hope Grows program, one of the largest coral reef restoration projects in the world, led by Mars Sustainable Solutions (MSS).
Through spectacular photographic images, both terrestrial and underwater, the film tells the daily challenges, innovative solutions and hope of those who work to protect one of the most important ecosystems for marine biodiversity.
The film begins with the program’s most famous success story, the restoration of Hope Reef in Indonesia. Hope Reef was built thanks to a simple but revolutionary invention: a steel structure called the Reef Star, which transformed a destroyed seabed covered in coral rubble into a thriving coral reef. Through first-hand accounts from local volunteers working to protect their reefs, viewers will learn how the MSS team, led by David Smith, is working with coastal communities and NGOs to scale the project globally and achieve even greater impact.
The documentary provides a realistic picture of the challenges and difficulties faced, as well as the successes and milestones achieved, highlighting the hope, the constant commitment and the transformative potential of one of the largest and most ambitious restoration training programs ever realized (Mss Impact Report, 2024).
“Reef Builders tells not only a story of an environmental restoration project, but a concrete vision of the future that Mars intends to help build. Through the visibility and following of our brands, we have a platform of great impact, and we feel the responsibility to put it at the service of positive change,” said Aldo Mastellone, Corporate Affairs Senior Manager of Mars Italia. “The launch of the Reef Builders documentary represents a significant moment in the mission of the Sheba Hope Grows program. With this project we want to inspire and educate an ever-increasing number of people on the importance of supporting the restoration of coral reefs.”
Coral reefs, often called the 'rainforests of the sea', are now in grave danger. Scientists estimate that, without concrete interventions, 2043% of the planet's tropical coral reefs could disappear by 90 (ICRI), with serious consequences for 25% of marine life (EPA) and for about one billion people who depend directly or indirectly on the ecosystem services they provide, such as coastal protection and sustainable fisheries resources (NOAA).
Directed and produced by Stephen Shearman, with Victoria Noble and Ben Padfield serving as executive producers, and actress and environmental activist Auli'i Cravalho serving as associate producer, Reef Builders takes viewers on a journey from Bontosua, Indonesia to Lamu, Kenya, Moore Reef, Australia and Auli'i's home island of O'ahu, Hawaii, offering an unprecedented look at the fight to save the planet's coral reefs.