MARS Sustainable Solution — Sheba Hope Reef
I was invited by Mars Sustainable Solutions to visit Sheba Hope Reef, a coral reef restoration project to develop storytelling assets showcasing the impact of this biodiversity investment and serve as an ambassador. Deliverables included: written work, photography, and Instagram reels.
"As an impact consultant with a background in marine conservation, community-based resource management, and love of fieldwork, I jumped at the opportunity to spend time with the MSS team in situ. Coincidentally, I had been referencing this project to peers as an interesting evolution of corporate investments in marine-focused nature-based solutions—so it felt very fortuitous to have been invited.
There’s something to be said about the efficiency of environmental commitments from privately held companies that don’t have to answer to the whims of public trading. Take Patagonia, and their initiative to make “earth their only shareholder” — a move possible due to their ownership structure.
While commitments to actions like carbon accounting and aligning with science-based targets are becoming commonplace, due to legal requirements or peer pressure, investments into ecosystem restoration at scale could truly move the needle. Whether these projects are supported through cooperative models or directly funneled through brands like Sheba, I believe that we should shift away from prioritizing levers like carbon offsets to direct community and ecosystem investments.
Science and conservation are notoriously underfunded and undervalued. As marine ecosystems, the blue economy, and the role of oceans in regulating climate continue to become recognized outside academic silos, I imagine Mars will be viewed as a case study in corporate partnerships for marine restoration."
