For over a decade, Mars Sustainable Solutions, in partnership with local communities, scientists, businesses, NGOs and governments, has been developing and implementing a simple, community-led solution to help restore damaged coral reefs globally. This solution, referred to as MARRS (Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System) is a holistic approach to reef restoration. At its most effective, the MARRS method can transform heavily degraded coral rubble fields into healthy, vibrant, coral-dominated ecosystems within a few years.

Since the first Reef Star was installed, the Mars Sustainable Solutions team has trained and supported a global community of reef builders and advocates, involving more than 500 people from across the world. Collectively, the team and partners have installed over 90,000 Reef Stars, planting over 1,300,000 coral fragments across 63 reef sites, active in 12 countries, spanning 5 continents.

Here at Mars, we wanted to go beyond Associates just hearing about the restoration program and wanted to offer passionate Ambassadors the opportunity to experience and contribute to the coral restoration program first-hand. So, this May, as part of the Mars Ambassador Program, we welcomed seven Associates to the iconic Sheba Hope Reef where they received MARRS competency training and witnessed the world’s largest restoration site.

Upon arrival in Indonesia, the Ambassadors underwent intensive training sessions led by the Mars Sustainable Solutions Indonesia & global team. The training covered dry-land practice, all aspects of the MARRS method including above and below water considerations, and modern restoration techniques. The Mars Ambassadors also received training from the communities at two local Islands as they learnt how to prepare the Reef Stars and attach coral fragments, alongside over 100 members of local Bontosuan Community.

Armed with knowledge and snacks, the Mars Ambassadors dived into the week, ready to begin the restoration work. Over the course of their program, the team out planted 6,000 coral fragments, carefully attaching them to 400 Reef Stars. This collaborative effort not only aimed at restoring the physical structure of the reef but also at fostering a sense of stewardship among the Mars Associates.

The Mars Ambassador Program's efforts in Indonesia are part of a larger, long-term commitment to coral reef restoration and stewardship. By involving Associates directly in restoration programs, Mars is fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within its workforce. These hands-on experiences also help to raise critical internal and external awareness about the importance of coral reefs and the urgent need for their protection.

As the Mars Associates return to their daily roles, they carry with them not just memories of a unique experience but also a profound understanding of the importance of their efforts. The restored reef, with its new coral fragments and Reef Stars, stands as a living testament to what can be achieved when multiple stakeholders, united in a common mission & purpose, can achieve in the service of coral reef restoration.

Thank you to the seven incredible Ambassadors who joined us in Indonesia. Together, we hold the power to safeguard the remarkable ecosystem of coral reefs. Together, we bring hope, to the underwater world, and for all of us who depend on it.