Diageo Asia Pacific Corporate Relations team members recently took some time out to work with the Nusa Dua Coral Restoration Project to help breathe new life into the local marine ecosystem.

More than just pretty underwater gardens, coral reefs are among the most biologically rich ecosystems on Earth.Indonesia is widely regarded as the world centre for marine biodiversity and home to many of the 4,000 species of fish that make their homes in coral reefs.A significant part of Indonesia’s economy relies on them, with reefs the basis for fishing, tourism and ornamental marine fish collection industries.

The Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC) has initiated a coral restoration project with the full support of the local community including hotels, dive operators, fishermen and other stakeholders.Using artificial reefs called Submarine Reefs, specially designed to blend into the environment, baby coral is nurtured and then transplanted thereby facilitating the growth of new coral and creating much needed new natural habitats.

45 Diageo team members got the opportunity to adopt a baby coral reef and watch it settle into its new home under the sea.After a quick gathering on the beach, the CR team and divers piled onto glass-bottom boats to head ten minutes away from shore where several submarine reefs were placed.Each baby coral in the reefs carries the name of the Diageo team member who helped it find a home that day.