Fragments of Hope, operating out of the Placencia Peninsula in Belize, builds on over a decade of reef remediation work to implement significant active management solutions and plant tens of thousands of corals. Though primarily engaged in the protection of critically endangered Caribbean Acroporids, FoH also works to protect other marine-related ecosystems, such as mangroves, and incorporate local stakeholders into protection efforts through awareness, education, and capacity building. FoH has successfully adapted micro-fragmenting techniques, developed by Dr. David Vaughan, for use in Belize, allowing them to begin cultivating slower growing corals, such as star, brain and pillar corals in situ (open water, non-land based) nurseries. Such adaptation of micro-fragmenting, which typically occurs in terrestrial aquariums and tanks, for use in open ocean nurseries is revolutionary and will help increase the biodiversity of replenished reef sites. Recently, FoH has also been chosen as an impact partner for the Coral Crucible Rescue the Reefs Art Exhibit, with National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry, an initiative dedicated to raising awareness and funds for coral protection through evocative visual art.
These coral nurseries, operating at grassroots levels, represent some of the most promising methods for protecting corals and revitalizing the oceans. With the global public’s support, many more may start up around the world, and together they can create significant global impact. Unfortunately, funding from governments, granting foundations, and private donors is limited and competitive.
Based in NYC, Reefined Arts came to exist in response to the need for new approaches. Recognizing how many organizations vie for funding, Reefined Art is dedicated to providing alternate sources of funding and support, and have started with jewelry. Their model seeks to directly connect consumers to conservation, using individual-level fashion to support community-level coral gardening and inspire global level environmental impact. Using unique production techniques, Reefined Arts designs high-precision 3d replica coral jewelry, and contributes a portion of every sale to its partnered coral nurseries.
With the backgrounds of its founders ranging from marine biology and jewelry design to grassroots peacebuilding, for them it seemed natural to bring seemingly disparate worlds together and connect fashion culture to mariculture. Each piece is a tangible symbol of the buyer’s contribution and provides an alternative to genuine coral jewelry, which is often the product of harmful live coral harvesting. Because corals have evolved to be among the most efficient light harvesting organisms on earth, their natural forms make for jewelry that captures and reflects light unlike other metal jewelry. Through their contributors and partners, they can drive much needed support to coral nurseries, planting coral and rebuilding reefs.
You can get involved by donating to, and becoming a member of, coral nurseries. You can directly donate to Fragments of Hope through their website, fragmentsofhope.org, and also find them included in the Coral Crucible where you can contribute to coral by purchasing a limited-edition print. Supporting coral is also possible through Reefined Arts Reefined Arts, where you can buy a piece, advocate for coral, and sponsor the reconstruction of vital reef ecosystems.
May 2017 - Stories from the Sea
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