The CMA CGM Group, a leading global company providing sea, land, air and logistics solutions, has extended its partnership with Endangered Species International (ESI) until November 2025. This collaboration aims to protect and restore coral reefs located in a vast area of the ocean bed, spanning around 6,000 km2 across Malaysia and the Philippines.
Laurent OLMETA, Chief Executive Officer CMA CGM Asia Pacific Ltd, said, “CMA CGM’s collaboration with ESI has made exciting achievements in the Coral Triangle. In better ways, we shall advance our shared goals for sustainable coral reef ecosystems, with healthy reefs serving as carbon sinks and a richer marine life that fuels fisheries for food and income.”
The partnership between CMA CGM and ESI for coral conservation and restoration has been renewed from July 2021 to July 2023. The partnership will focus on three protected sites: site 1, located between Balabac Island (the Philippines) and Pulau Banggi (Malaysia); site 2 in Negros, Central Philippines; and Site 3 in Sarangani Bay, Mindanao, Southern Philippines.
The Coral Triangle contains sites where more than 85% of the coral reefs face threats from pollution, coastal development, and illegal fishing practices.
Taking into account the current state of corals and consultation with local communities, CMA CGM and ESI have prioritised further restoring the damaged coral ecosystem in the Coral Triangle by:
- Continuing to assess coral reef health and fish species at all protected sites
- Patrolling to intervene in destructive fishing activities that may shatter coral colonies at site 1
- Coral gardening at sites 2 and 3 to further breed coral growth
- Removing invasive species and plastics that threaten the well-being of coral reefs
- Involving at least 5,000 children and coastal communities annually on reef and mangrove conservation
Live coral coverage was expanded from 37% to 50% since 2021, and both partners now aim to reach 65% by the end of 2025
Active coral gardening will continue to occur at sites 2 and 3 to increase the coverage of live coral. Since the partnership between CMA CGM and ESI in 2021, the coverage of live coral has been expanded to 50%. Both partners are now working towards restoring 65% of coral coverage by the end of 2025. 710 coral fragments were transplanted to restore 2.5 hectares of coral reef cover. Additionally, invasive species such as Crown-of-thorns starfish and plastics were removed from the protected sites.
22 coral species recovered; marine species increased to 155 at CMA CGM-ESI protected sites
Out of the 22 coral species that have recovered, 15 are considered threatened species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List.
Pierre FIDENCI, ESI President, said, “Coral reefs provide a large fraction of Earth’s biodiversity; protecting and restoring them is essential for the future of human societies. Our continued partnership will sustain our hard work and conservation success for corals and the ocean.”
The ecosystems in the protected areas now have a thriving population of 155 fish species, increasing from the 137 species counted two years ago. Endangered marine species like green sea turtles, whale sharks, three-spot seahorses, reef manta rays, and dugongs have been spotted more frequently in these areas.
Empowering at least 5,000 local children from the coastal communities annually
Over the past two years, locals in the Philippines were mobilised to patrol for illegal fishing activities. As a result of their efforts, seven destructive fishing attempts were stopped and reported. Since July 2022, there have been no reports of illegal fishing activities, indicating the success of the patrolling efforts as a deterrent.
To further promote sustainability and conservation efforts, the CMA CGM – ESI partnership plans to conduct annual coral and mangrove awareness sessions with at least 5,000 children from coastal communities in the Philippines. These outreach sessions will focus on the importance of corals and mangroves to their livelihoods and encourage the children to appreciate and protect these vital resources. By doing so, they can ensure sustainable food sources, income, and storm protection.
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