IMPACKT makes impact: Saving corals together

When travel blogger Franzi tells us about her unique coral workshop in Thailand, our team in Hamburg is immediately enthusiastic. The idea of protecting coral reefs and thus having a positive impact on our ecosystem convinces us immediately.

So it is absolutely fitting that after Franzi's underwater experience the "Day of the Ocean" is coming up and we decide to choose this date as the occasion for a community action. In the period from 8 - 22.06.2023 we planted together with Coralyfe one coral per sold IMPACKT product. And you could all be a part of it.

Here we tell you more about the campaign.

The reason: Our oceans are suffering

For many of us, oceans are a place of longing. Places we love to travel to - that fascinate us, relax us, make us dream. Over 70% of the earth's surface is covered by oceans. This makes them not only popular vacation destinations, but also an important part of the global climate system. The basis of life. They are a source of food, raw materials and energy all at the same time.

But the oceans are acutely endangered. Every year, up to 12.7 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans. With an average temperature of almost 21 degrees Celsius, the oceans are warmer than ever before. And in the Mediterranean and Black Seas, over 63% of fish stocks are considered overfished. These and other threatening developments have drastic consequences for us and our environment.

To ensure that we can still use our oceans tomorrow, we must not exploit them today. We must protect them.

This is also the idea behind "World Oceans Day" which has been held annually on June 8 since 2009 and was proclaimed by the United Nations. The aim of this day is to draw more attention to the threat to the oceans. Various events remind people of the outstanding ecological role of the oceans. With our campaign "Together for the protection of coral reefs", we are joining the ranks here for the first time in 2023.

The reason: Corals are the most important pillar of the oceans

Now we've talked a lot about our oceans. Our action is dedicated to corals. And our mission is to have a positive impact on our climate. Where's the connection?

Our waters are the largest store of the climate killer CO2. CO2 is one of the greenhouse gases that makes our planet boil. If we want to maintain the important climate-regulating function of the oceans, we need to protect the marine ecosystem. And this is where coral reefs play a crucial role.

Coral reefs populate less than 0.1% of the ocean, but 30% of marine life depends on these few colonies. And on these 30%, in turn, the rest of the animals depend. It's a chain reaction that has wide implications. If we protect coral reefs, we protect the oceans.

The action: Introducing CORALYFE

When we work with partners, we feel it's a big plus to have a personal connection to them and know what it's like on the ground. After Franzi herself had planted corals with Coralyfe, there was already a certain connection to the organization, which is based in Thailand. We also share the idea that everyone can contribute to the big picture with small steps and we can all be part of the solution.

Since its inception, Coralyfe has offered workshops and activities that bring local communities, businesses and tourists - literally - on board. And then step by step helps save corals.

The steps are:

1. Collect broken corals and stones in the sea: Damaged corals and suitable stones for their settlement are collected in the sea. The stones provide a solid substrate for the coral-like organisms to grow on later.

2. Precise placement on the stones: The coral pieces are placed on the stones at appropriate locations. This is done by carefully inserting them and sticking them in place. This ensures that the corals can stand and grow stably.

3. Reintroduction in the coral nursery: After the coral pieces are placed on the stones, they are put back into the sea. In a special coral nursery, located at a depth of about 5 meters, they stay for about 4 weeks before being relocated to their final environment.

The result: we planted two small coral nurseries

So our campaign started on June 8 and ended on June 22, 2023. During this period we were happy about each of your orders - with the ulterior motive that each of them represents one new coral. At the end we rounded up the number so that we could sponsor two coral kindergartens. Thanks to all of you who made an impact together with us.