Australia's Reef Builder Program received global recognition from the United Nations (UN) today. It is one of three programs recognised as a World Restoration Flagship.
World Restoration Flagships recognise ambitious initiatives that are restoring nature.
The awards were announced ahead of the 7th UN Environment Assembly. They are part of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
The Reef Builder Program was led by The Nature Conservancy. It was funded by the Australian Government.
The program restored degraded shellfish reefs across Australia's southern coastline and involved:
- Traditional Owners
- fishers
- restaurants
- scientists
- local communities.
Shellfish reefs are natural solutions to some of our greatest conservation challenges. They support water quality and marine life. They provide a buffer for weather events.
Since the program started, it has:
- removed 15 tonnes of nutrient pollution
- boosted fish stocks by 50 tonnes
- increased biodiversity by 70%
- supported local jobs and businesses
- helped reconnect coastal communities with nature
- promoted stewardship of the marine environment.
Reef Builder demonstrated that the restoration of shellfish reefs at a national scale is possible. It also demonstrated that the flow-on benefits to people and nature are significant.
