Want to know more about Hope Reef?
Explore our FAQs below.
The Sheba Hope Grows™ program is part of one of the world’s largest coral reef restoration programs, led by Mars Sustainable Solutions, we’re uniting coastal communities, NGOs, and scientists to restore coral reefs and protect oceans
Our mission is to rebuild coral reefs, support thriving fish populations, and protect the communities and ecosystems that depend on healthy oceans. By taking action today, we can help ensure a sustainable future for our oceans, our pets, and the planet.
Today, the world’s coral reefs, often called the ‘rainforests of the sea,’ are in critical danger. Scientists estimate that if no action is taken 90% of the world’s tropical reefs will be gone by 2043 (IPCC), potentially threatening 25% of all the world’s marine life and impacting the estimated one billion people worldwide that benefit either directly or indirectly from the ecosystem services coral reefs provide (NOAA).
In the period between 1957 and 2007, researchers found that the world’s coral reefs declined by over 50% (One Earth, 2021).
Global coral reefs are experiencing degradation due to a combination of local and global stressors.
Key drivers include climate change, pollution (from many land-based activities), overfishing and destructive fishing practices, coastal development and tourism, and disease outbreaks and predatory/invasive species.
Hope Reef is off the coast of Sulawesi in Indonesia. It sits at the heart of the world’s Coral Triangle in the Spermonde Archipelago.
Mars is the parent company of the SHEBA® brand, meaning we are working as one to restore coral reefs.
Today, the world’s coral reefs, often called the ‘rainforests of the sea,’ are in critical danger. Scientists estimate 90% of the world’s tropical reefs will be gone by 2043 if the world does nothing (ICRI), potentially threatening 25% of all the world’s marine life (EPA) and impacting the nearly one billion people worldwide that benefit either directly or indirectly from the ecosystem services coral reefs provide (NOAA)
Mars and the SHEBA® brand feel it is our duty to do what we can to help restore coral reefs.
Mars has worked on coral reef restoration since 2006, investing millions in research, builds, and community engagement. Through the MSS team and partners, approximately 1.3million coral fragments and 87,000 reef stars have already been installed, all using locally-sourced materials (Reef Star and coral numbers monitored by MSS team and MSS partner network, MSS Impact Report, 2024, p23) . Coral reef restoration initiatives at Mars are overseen by Mars’ Chief Marine Science Officer and Senior Director of Mars Sustainable Solutions, Professor David Smith.
If you want to learn more about the Mars Coral Reef Restoration and it’s impact to date, you can find more information in the 2024 Impact Report.
The restoration teams use a variety of methods that can adapt to different regions and reef sites. However, the most recognized and widely adopted solution is the MARRS (Mars Assisted Reef Restoration System) method. It is a holistic approach to coral reef restoration that combines science, indigenous techniques, and community collaboration. It’s about more than just planting coral—it’s about fostering sustainable change for entire ocean ecosystems.
The MARRS method is centered around a hexagonal structure called a “Reef Star.”
The simple placement of a Reef Star provides a protective structure for coral to grow on and thrive, providing a home for the many species that rely on healthy reefs.
The success of this method is evident at Hope Reef in Indonesia. During the restoration of Hope Reef, our flagship site in Indonesia, from November 2019 – October 2024 coral growth has increased from 2% to >70%, fish populations have increased by >900% and there’s been a 58% rise in the number of fish species according to data from Mars internal monitoring programme. (according to MARRS training data tracked by MSS, MSS Impact Report, 2024)
The MARRS method showcases the transformative potential of combining science and local knowledge to regenerate coral reefs and protect our oceans.
Since restoration efforts began in 2011, MSS, which the SHEBA Hope Grows™ program supports has established 72 reef restoration sites in 12 countries including Indonesia, Kenya, The Maldives, and Australia, as well as 60 coral reef restoration partnerships around the globe (data monitored by the MSS team and MSS partner network, MSS Impact Report, 2024, p16)
During the restoration of Hope Reef, our flagship site in Indonesia, from November 2019 – October 2024 coral growth has increased from 2% to >70%, fish populations have increased by >900% and there’s been a 58% rise in the number of fish species according to data from Mars internal monitoring program. (according to MARRS training data tracked by MSS, MSS Impact Report, 2024)
We know there's still a lot we need to deal with on this issue, and we've already planned to do it, with Mars Petcare committed to making the packaging fully recyclable. Sheba®, too.
All of our SHEBA® aluminum trays, cans, and cardboard sleeves are commonly recycled in key markets.
Currently, 98% of all paper used in our packaging is from recycled and/or certified virgin fibres.
In the US, our Perfect Portions™ trays can be recycled in some facilities but you should check locally where and how to do this.
We’re taking action now to reduce the amount of plastic we use to boost our use of recycled content and to advocate for stronger waste management systems at scale around the world.
Mars is committed to cutting our greenhouse gas emissions 50% by 2030, and aim to reach net zero by 2050.
Climate change poses one of the most significant challenges of our era — we must act now to avoid the worst of its impacts. From the factories that make our products to the veterinary hospitals that care for pets, our accelerated, affordable and achievable Net Zero Roadmap shows that it’s possible to cut emissions 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero GHG emissions across our full value chain by 2050.
To find out more, please visit: https://www.mars.com/sustainability-plan/healthy-planet/net-zero-2050
We were invited to help restore the reefs in the Spermonde Archipelago, specifically the islands of Badi and Bontosua. Hope Reef is a unique collaboration with the Bontosua island community. By taking a participatory approach and appointing community ambassadors representing key social groups (e.g. youth, women, fishermen) we ensure that activities focus on ensuring sustainable livelihoods and drive behavioural change.
We take a supply-chain approach to reef restoration with each link in the chain providing an opportunity for the local community to be directly involved. There are multiple entry points which increases skills required, and diversifies and expands participation. Consequently large numbers of the local community are involved, as many as 40 people for each restoration event.
The act of restoration also increases the diversity and number of important fish species that reside around the island, and provides other key services such as coastal protection.
As part of this, we provide funding for projects aimed at delivering sustainable ‘reef-based’ livelihoods, supporting community cohesion and increasing the level of understanding and participation in reef restoration itself.
Some examples include:
We use plastic cable ties because they’re durable, strong, widely-used and don’t degrade in salt water. At the moment, plastic is the only available solution but we are working on finding alternatives that are biodegradable. We collect all cut offs at the site.
We are actively trialling several different versions of biodegradable ties already on the market and are also investigating emerging materials and technologies. We ensure that all plastic used is minimalised and any surplus eg off cuts, are recycled through local community initiatives.
For more information about the SHEBA® Brand’s sustainability commitments and actions in your market visit:
www.uk.sheba.com/sustainability
https://www.dine.com.au/about-dine/sustainability